Arsenal knows that it needs new blood and replacements with some players possibly moving out by the end of this season. Mikel Arteta has several prospects in mind but will have to choose wisely. The Gunners are not spared from the looming financial crunch and will be one of the teams likely to curb down on spending this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest name to be linked to the Gunners is Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen. The 20-year-old is enjoying a great debut season, having scored four goals and five assists in 20 games thus far. That performance has captured the interest of several teams, one of which is Arsenal FC. But aside from the Gunners, Borussia Dortmund has also inquired about the French football player, Le 10 Sport reported.
But between the two, Arsenal may have a bit of an edge. It appears that Diaby's agent holds good ties with Arsenal, something that could facilitate a move easier. To get Diaby to Stamford Bridge, the Gunners would need to pay roughly $33.5 million. However, that asking price could be raised with reports that the Bundesliga outfit wants to keep the French footballer.
Arsenal is expected to be placed under strict budgeting due to the revenue losses caused by the coronavirus. Some transfers could be done but it is likely to be at a pretty low price. The Gunners seem to have the edge but Diaby is not the only one on their radar. There are several other players on Arteta's wish list. That includes Alassane Plea and Raul Jimenez. The asking price of both players is somewhere in the range of Diaby's. Even if Borussia Leverkusen were to spike that asking price, it could still fall within Arteta's budget. Based on the fees of all linked players, Arsenal may be willing to shell out up to $45 million per player.
Several players may be leaving Arsenal soon. That includes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has yet to sign any new deal with the Gunners. Some feel it may be in the best interest of the 30-year-old booter to move out and join a team that is out to win titles. Arsenal is in a transition phase right now, probably not the right club where he should be playing.
Aubameyang is seeking a long-term deal but getting one holds low chances due to budget cuts. He could agree to a short-term deal like Olivier Giroud and worry about that by next season - hopefully when things return to normal.
