“Concrete possibility” – Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Arsenal transfer hint
Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that Arsenal is closely monitoring the progress of Moussa Diaby, the winger from Bayer Leverkusen, and there is a chance of a potential transfer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has secured Bukayo Saka’s services until 2027 through a new contract. Additionally, Reiss Nelson has been offered another deal to prevent him from leaving the club as a free agent this summer.
If Nelson decides to stay, Arsenal may not necessarily require another winger, as they have Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Emile Smith Rowe, who can also play in wide positions.
Nevertheless, as Arsenal prepares to participate in the Champions League, they might consider bolstering their attacking options with additional depth.
It appears that Moussa Diaby has emerged as a potential target for the Gunners. Romano mentioned on the Here We Go Podcast that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keeping tabs on Diaby, hinting at the possibility of a transfer happening in the upcoming summer window.
“I think there is a concrete possibility that they will keep tracking the progress of Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen, he is a player they appreciate as a winger, but it’s not something advanced or close at this moment,” he stated.
Moussa Diaby, at the age of 23, has been impressive this season, contributing 14 goals and 11 assists in 42 matches across all competitions. He could serve as a valuable option to rotate with Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been a consistent presence in Arsenal’s lineup, featuring in every league game this season, which could necessitate more rotation for the 21-year-old.
In the event that Reiss Nelson departs from Arsenal, the club might consider pursuing Diaby. However, it is worth considering that Newcastle and Manchester United have also expressed interest in the French winger, potentially leading to a high-value transfer.
Therefore, it may not be prudent to spend a significant sum on acquiring Diaby, who currently earns £37,000 per week in wages.
Despite Moussa Diaby’s impressive numbers, Reiss Nelson showcases superior performance in various aspects such as dribbling, assists, passing, and defensive contributions based on FBref data. If Nelson signs a new contract and maintains consistency in his performances, Arsenal could potentially save a significant amount of money by relying on his development.
Considering the presence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as the primary wingers at Arsenal, Diaby might face challenges in securing a spot in the starting lineup. If given the choice, he might prefer a move to another club where he has better prospects for regular playing time.
Arsenal’s main focus in the current transfer window appears to be strengthening their midfield, with players like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo linked to the club. It might not be wise to sacrifice funds allocated for these signings in order to pursue Diaby.
If a deal for Diaby can be negotiated alongside Arsenal’s other transfer activities, he could provide healthy competition for Arteta’s existing options. However, it is unlikely that Diaby’s arrival alone would instantly elevate the team’s attacking capabilities.
“Concrete possibility” – Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Arsenal transfer hint