Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, who has been targeted by several top European clubs. 

The France international grabbed a goal and assist during Leverkusen’s Europa League second-leg match against Ferencvaros, helping them to reach the quarter-finals.

Diaby has been on the Gunners’ radar for some time now, with Arteta thought to be a big admirer of his, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them table an offer for him this summer.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Newcastle are also firmly in the race for the 23-year-old, so we could potentially see a bidding war take place between the Premier League rivals.

Along with the Magpies, Diaby’s former club Paris Saint-Germain are also credited with an interest in securing his signature this summer.

However, despite the competition, it is Arsenal who are thought to be leading the race for the exciting winger, according to SPORTBible.

Indeed, with the London club currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, the Emirates would probably be the most attractive option to Diaby, should all three clubs come in for him this summer.

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Leverkusen want £62m for Diaby

Since joining Leverkusen from PSG in 2018, Diaby has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in the Bundesliga.

Overall, in 158 appearances across all competitions for the German club, the Frenchman has scored 47 goals and also provided 44 assists, giving him an impressive average of 0.58 goal contributions per game.

This season, Diaby has continued his excellent run of form, netting 12 times and making seven assists in 34 outings so far.

As a result, it’s unsurprising to see widespread interest in the attacker, with Diaby thought to be keen to play for a team that will compete in Europe next season.

He also wants to earn a regular spot in Didier Deschamps’ France team, after failing to make it into the manager’s World Cup squad last year.

It is believed that a bid of £62m would be enough to convince Leverkusen to sell their star man this summer, so Arsenal will have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal over the line.

However, Newcastle and PSG certainly don’t have a shortage of cash, so it seems likely that they will be willing to meet Diaby’s somewhat hefty price tag.

Arguably, Diaby has the quality to go straight into Arteta’s starting XI, despite the excellent form of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, so it will be interesting to see if he ends up at the Emirates.

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The article Arsenal now leading the race for £62m winger targeted by Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain appeared first on Teamtalk.com.