Transfer Talk: Arsenal Gunning for Diaby but Toon have upper hand

Arsenal and Newcastle are set to battle it out to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.

Diaby, 23, has been a long-term target for the Gunners and would provide competition for Bukayo Saka in North London.

Mikel Arteta opted to go with the cheaper option in Leandro Trossard in January after initially missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk.

Now, the Spanish tactician is set to turn his attention back to the Frenchman and build on the current success of his squad in England's top flight, according to The Express.

However, the report goes on to say that the Gunners may struggle to compete with Newcastle for the eight-cap international, who has a value of over £60million.

The Magpies will continue to manufacture a squad that is capable of competing with England's top dogs in the summer and Diaby would be a welcome addition for the Champions League chasers.

And the financial power of the Saudi-backed club gives them the upper hand when it comes to the transfer market and negotiating with players.

Arsenal may be able to offer Champions League next season but Newcastle can counter that with a lucrative contract offer that may be too good to turn down and are also in with a shout of a top-four finish.

In other news

Reports in Italy suggest that Paris Saint-Germain would be willing to pay up £159m for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the summer.

Wolves will listen to offers for star midfielder Ruben Neves with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool all interested, according to The Mirror.

Chelsea want to sign Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, according to Football Insider. The Frenchman has impressed for the relegation-threatened club in the 2022-23 campaign.