Newcastle United set to make big move for 23-year-old Arsenal target - Reports

Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.

Newcastle are on the rise under Eddie Howe and mega-rich owners of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). To sustain their progress, the Magpies are reportedly targeting the 23-year-old Diaby.

Arsenal have also been linked with the pacey Frenchman as they look to add depth to their squad. However, the Gunners could face stern competition from Newcastle, who are also interested in Diaby's teammate Mitchel Bakker.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle United are undergoing significant changes as they look to compete at the top level once again. The Gunners have been astute with their transfer dealings, having added Jorginho and Leandro Trossard to their ranks in January. Despite multiple injuries to forwards, they have done well to maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City atop the standings. However, Mikel Arteta would be keen to add depth in the wings.

According to German news outlet 90min, Newcastle are also keen on bringing Diaby to England as they prepare for a potentially long stint in European competitions. The Magpies are fifth in the league with 47 points, two points off fourth-placed Tottenham but have two games in hand.

Both clubs had made attempts to prise Diaby away from Bayer Leverkusen, who remained firm with their €70 million asking price, which has deterred interest. However, the winger's price could be reduced as he runs down his contract, which expires in June 2025.

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Recent transfer sagas involving Arsenal and Newcastle United

The two clubs have been linked with several players in recent years as both look to make the climb back to the top of English football. The two big names who have been linked with both the Gunners and Newcastle United recently are Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.

Guimaraes was plying his trade with Lyon in France when he was first linked with the Gunners in 2020. Despite lengthy negotiations, the north London outfit were unable to shake Lyon off their hefty demands. The Brazilian was linked to Arsenal in every transfer window for two years before eventually joining Newcastle United in 2022.

Isak, meanwhile, was playing for Real Sociedad when interest from Arsenal grew stronger. The two clubs have maintained a good working relationship as players have gone both ways in the past, notably Nacho Monreal. The Gunners stalled for too long as they weighed up their options, and the Swede moved to Newcastle in 2022.

The Gunners eventually signed Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus and seem to be doing quite well.