Newcastle join transfer chase for Diaby with Arsenal ‘struggling to compete’ with Magpies for £62m-rated Leverkusen star
NEWCASTLE have reportedly joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby and look set to challenge Arsenal with their financial muscle.
The Magpies’ Saudi takeover at the end of 2021 means they can now compete at the top end of the market, which is far cry from the tight-fisted days under former owner Mike Ashley.
But the club have been fairly restrained with their spending so far as they look to break the Premier League’s established order.
On the pitch the north-east club have made a genuine assault on the top four places this season.
And now, in the boardroom, the club are also looking to show their Prem rivals what they are capable of.
90min report that Newcastle are looking to move in on long-term Arsenal target Diaby.
The winger has been linked with a summer move to the Emirates after another impressive season in Germany.
But Newcastle are set to get involved in the transfer hunt as they look to add some cutting edge to their goal-shy attack.
They are reportedly set to spend this summer with £62m-rated Diaby among the targets.
The Toon are also reportedly interested in the 23-year-old’s team-mate Mitchel Bakker, the Leverkusen left-back.
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Arsenal are unlikely to be able to compete financially with Newcastle and sporting director Edu has consistently looked for value in the transfer market and tried to avoid bidding wars.
In January the Gunners had to watch their long-term target Mykhailo Mudryk depart for Chelsea as it became clear the Blues had more financial heft on their side.
But the London side quickly pivoted and found themselves landing a great deal to sign Leandro Trossard, who has been a hit so far.
While money could be a disadvantage in the Diaby chase, Arsenal can offer the Frenchman guaranteed Champions League football next season.
Newcastle’s wobbly form over the last few weeks makes their position at Europe’s top table less certain.