Arsenal are reportedly 'very serious' in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby with the summer transfer window edging closer.
The Gunners have opted for a pro-youth policy for a fair chunk of Mikel Arteta's reign as manager and the club has reaped the rewards of their faith in young players so far this season. Diaby definitely fits a similar kind of profile to a number of Arsenal's recent signings given the Frenchman is just 22 years of age.
However, any move for the wide-man is likely to cost the Gunners quite the fee given German outlet SportBILD report that Leverkusen are not entertaining the idea of parting ways with one of their most prized assets. The same report states how Diaby is very much a man in demand, with Arsenal not the only English side keeping tabs on the talented forward.
The Leverkusen star has bagged 16 goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this term. Diaby has already proved that his efforts this season are by no means a fluke, with an impressive return of ten goals and 15 assists last campaign.
Taking into account his ability to influence games with goal contributions and the fact Diaby's Leverkusen's contract does not expire until the summer of 2025, the Bundesliga outfit are hardly in a position where they need to think about cashing in on their player.
In turn, the Leverkusen hierarchy are thought to have placed an £84million asking price on Diaby's head in a bid to try and fend off the clamour for his signature from elsewhere.
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However, it hasn't played out that way as Arsenal are yet to set their sights on another player. Instead, the Gunners hierarchy are aiming to try and get that asking price down by at least £25million. Diaby's head could be turned if Arteta's side cling on to the fourth spot they currently occupy and ensure Champions League football for next season.
Diaby has kept notably quiet over whether he is interested in a move elsewhere, but if he does favour a switch to the Emirates and tries to force through his exit, Leverkusen are reportedly 'willing' to sanction his departure for a fee of around £75million.
The 22-year-old can be utilised on both flanks but heavily favours being deployed as a left-winger. There could be a vacancy on Arsenal's left side next season if Gabriel Martinelli transitions into a more central role within the front-line.
This is not the first time Arsenal have been linked with Diaby, with reports of their interest first appearing more than two years ago. The Gunners are rumoured to have made contact with the winger's agent when he left former side Paris Saint-Germain, but a deal failed to materialise.
