Dean Jones has detailed how Arsenal are “definitely” in the mix for Moussa Diaby, and a move for him could come “in the second phase” of the summer window.
After a season in which the Gunners got a taste of a title race and lost out, they’ll want to do all they can to ensure they can go the distance this season. Indeed, they lost out to Manchester City last term after leading for most of the season.
Mikel Arteta is not messing around in his attempts to improve the squad and lead right to the end this time.
Kai Havertz is the only confirmed signing as yet. The attacker – who may actually be used as a midfielder – joined from Chelsea for a reported £65million.
However, there are some big moves in the works at the Emirates. Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are both likely on the way, with bids accepted for both men.
All three of those players appear to be massive additions to the side on the surface. Indeed, it wouldn’t be a surprise if adding them into the unit made them even more competitive than they were this season.
The Gunners might not be done there, either.
Among their reported targets of late is Bayer Leverkusen winger Diaby. A recent report stated they were set to make a firm move for him, as they have ‘taken the lead’ over other interested sides.
Arsenal ‘definitely’ in the mix for Diaby
That the Gunners are interested in making him an Arsenal player has been reinforced by insider Jones, though there are other sides in the mix as well.
“Diaby, amazingly, still looking for a club. He’s been linked with everyone since January and has not actually tied anything off,” he told The Football Terrace.
“Definitely someone who has been of interest to Arsenal, so I wouldn’t rule it out, especially if this window wears on, and he is still looking for a club.”
Indeed, it seems there is a chance that Arsenal are beaten to the punch by another side. If they don’t act fast, there have been a host of other sides linked with him that could make him theirs.
That’s unsurprising, too. Diaby was in great form in the Bundesliga last season, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists – that followed a season in which he scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists in the league.
Arsenal timeline given, but could be too late
Arsenal have the deals for Rice and Timber to prioritise before thinking about that of Diaby, so the chance that he’s gone by the time they get to doing business could be a genuine one.
“Moussa Diaby is someone that Arsenal do like, but again that would be for the second phase of this window,” Jones added.
“The focus has been so heavily on getting these three guys [Havertz, Rice, Timber] through the door that there is no certainty over who they go for in that position yet, so let’s wait until the mini-clearout starts to take place.”
Indeed, if they are to sign Rice and Timber, and Havertz is to be used as a midfielder, all three signings will add to either the midfield or defence.
As such, Diaby would be an asset to add to the attack, and a great one at that, if they can do it.
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