Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby has already delivered a verdict on his future with Arsenal now being linked with making a move for the attacker.
Mikel Arteta revealed after the 2-0 win against Crystal Palace that the Gunners want to complete more deals before the transfer deadline, with a central midfielder and winger thought to be the club's priority. Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos have all made the move to the Emirates Stadium this summer as technical director Edu continues to work on more signings.
The north London outfit are currently focusing on moving on a number of fringe players, having sold Bernd Leno to Fulham and Lucas Torreira expected to complete a move to Galatasaray in the coming days. Diaby is the latest winger to be linked with a move to Arsenal, along with PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, though a move for the Dutch talent could be difficult to secure with Gakpo wanting regular first team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup later this year, football.london understands.
READ MORE: Arsenal 'agree personal terms' with £35m Premier League transfer target as Edu speeds up talks
After turning down Newcastle's approaches, Diaby spoke out on his future ahead of the 2022/23 season. The French forward said: “I’ve made my decision and will play for Bayer Leverkusen again next season.”
Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Diaby this summer, as Mikel Arteta looks to improve his squad after missing out on the Champions League places last season, according to BILD, via TEAMtalk. Despite Diaby seemingly ruling out a move away from Leverkusen this summer, the prospect of joining Arsenal may change his mind.
Newcastle were unable to offer the France international European football which may put the Gunners in a better position to negotiate a deal for the 23-year-old. Leverkusen will be competing in the Champions League this season, and although Arsenal just missed out on a top four spot last term, Arteta has shown he is able to convince players on the project at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners target Champions League qualification this season.
It was the Spaniard that persuaded Gabriel Jesus to make the move from Manchester City to Arsenal this summer, becoming the focal point of the Gunners' attack. After completing his £45million move, Jesus said: "We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future, I believe 100 per cent in Mikel."
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