Newcastle United are keen on Bayer Leverkusen's lightning-quick winger Moussa Diaby.
The exciting French attacker has been one of the standout stars in Germany across recent seasons, subsequently attracting Premier League interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal. However, Newcastle are now thought to be interested and have the financial might to beat them all to his signature, with L'Equipe reporting the Toon are set to make a £55million bid for the former PSG star.
It's already sure to be an exciting summer on Tyneside, with a host of big arrivals expected, and there’s little doubt that Diaby would be a marquee recruit who can have a transformational impact on the Toon’s attack next season. The forward finished last season with an impressive 25 Bundesliga goal contributions, scoring 13 times while assisting another 12.
The 22-year-old was born in Paris and came through the PSG youth system, eventually making his debut for the French champions in 2018 at just 19. His progression in Paris was stunted by the arrival of both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, though since signing for Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, he has flourished.
Now a full France international, Diaby’s best work usually comes on the right of his side’s attack. The forward is actually left-footed, though he’ll use his skill, quick feet and lightning pace to drive at a defence before cutting in from the right onto his favoured foot in order to unleash shots at goal. He finished last season inside the Bundesliga’s top 20 for the highest average number of dribbles attempted per 90 (5.37).
While he’ll often feature on the right, one of Diaby’s best traits is his versatility and he’s also able to play on the left or through the middle without any real drop off in performance levels.
Diaby’s arrival has the potential to add some real balance to Newcastle’s attack. Last season, the bulk of their best attacks would funnel through Allan Saint-Maximin who most often played on the left. The tricky winger proves a handful for most opposition defenders he faces, though as Newcastle's sole threat, team defences would often find success in doubling or even tripling up on the forward.
Having another attacker of equal ability on the opposite flank will not only make Newcastle as a whole more dangerous, but it’d also free up more space for Saint-Maximin to produce his best form too.
Despite his current ability, Diaby is still some way off of his prime years, making him not just an attractive proposition for Newcastle now, but also a worthwhile long term investment.
