Arsenal 'in discussions with Moussa Diaby's agents'

Arsenal are reportedly currently in talks with the agents of Moussa Diaby over a possible move for the Bayer Leverkusen attacker during this summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old has again been in strong form for his German club during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

According to German journalist Christian Falk, Arsenal are keen on a summer move for the France international, with the Gunners currently in discussions with his representatives.

Falk referenced Diaby while discussing 19-year-old attacker Florian Wirtz, who is another Leverkusen player to be heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga giants.

"I've today (Friday) been in Leverkusen to meet Rudi Voller (Leverkusen sporting director) and Florian Wirtz, who is a target of many clubs in Europe, but has decided to stay in Leverkusen minimum until 2024 for the European Championship," the journalist wrote in his column for CaughtOffside.

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"When I entered the lift in Leverkusen's Club Center, Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen's sporting director, was already in. He told me that he saw the many rumours about Premier League interest in six players of his, several of which I wrote about in my last column.

"He joked that he now has a lot of work to do because of that. One player in this column was: Moussa Diaby. Arsenal still have an interest in Diaby. The Bayer Leverkusen star's agents are in contact with the club."

Diaby was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United during last summer's transfer window, but Leverkusen's substantial asking price is believed to have scuppered a possible deal.

The forward made the move to Leverkusen from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, and he has represented the Black and Reds on 156 occasions, scoring 46 goals and registering 43 assists.

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This season, Diaby has managed eight goals and five assists in 22 appearances in the Bundesliga, with Xabi Alonso's side currently sitting ninth in the table.

The Frenchman also netted twice in six appearances in the group stage of the Champions League, while he has one goal in three Europa League appearances, with Leverkusen leading Ferencvaros 2-0 after the first leg of their last-16 contest.

Diaby has also been capped on eight occasions by France, but he missed out on a spot in their squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The attacker's versatility is believed to appeal to Arsenal, as he is capable of featuring across the forward line, although he has mainly operated off the right this term.

Mikel Arteta's side will be looking to make it five Premier League victories in a row when they travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon to face Fulham.