Newcastle United have reportedly asked Bayer Leverkusen about signing Moussa Diaby.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that the Magpies have launched a fresh enquiry for the 23-year-old.
The report states that Eddie Howe’s side want to be kept informed about any transfer developments regarding Diaby, after they failed to sign him during the summer.
The Frenchman was one of Newcastle’s top targets, and there was even confidence at one point in time that he would arrive at St James’ Park.
However, Diaby was deemed too expensive, with Bayer Leverkusen wanting £60million for one of their star attractions. That price tag put Toon officials off, at a time when it was unclear whether or not they would seriously break the bank.
The club’s stance eventually changed later in the window, but made a club record move for Alexander Isak instead.
That was perhaps reflective of Leverkusen’s desire to keep Diaby ahead of their return to the Champions League. Newcastle surely would have done a deal if they could, given that a report from the Athletic stated that the winger is considered a ‘dream signing‘.
Now the Magpies have made a fresh move for the France international, at a time when then there is interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
Newcastle face competition from Arsenal for Moussa Diaby
After missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea, Arsenal are on the lookout for alternative reinforcements to strengthen their Premier League title bid.
According to Sky Sports, they have approached Bayer Leverkusen about signing Diaby this month.
Sky Sports added that the Bundesliga side do not want to sell the player midway through the season, which is echoed in the Daily Mail’s report. They add that the only way Xabi Alonso’s side might sell Diaby is if they fail to offload some of their fringe players this month as they look to raise funds.
Leverkusen are not having a great season, and look highly unlikely to return to the Champions League. That will impact the German club’s revenue, while it may also influence Diaby’s thinking regarding his future.
He has been heavily linked with Newcastle over the past year, with Howe desperately searching for an ideal wide forward to compete with the likes of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Diaby would have been a great signing in the summer, and that remains true in January. However, it is difficult to imagine the Magpies splashing the cash to sign a top level forward like Diaby this month. But perhaps that may change if Arsenal firm up their interest.