Arsenal identify 'lightning' Mudryk replacement but face serious Premier League competition

Arsenal are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add a winger to his weaponry this January and the Frenchman has been identified as a potential alternative to Mykhailo Mudryk, who moved to Chelsea after posting a series of hints that he was joining the Gunners.

Diaby, who was linked with a move to north London last year, is now back on the club's radar, report Sky Germany.

The 23-year-old started his career at PSG before moving to the Bundesliga in 2019. He can play on on both flanks and has 43 goals and 41 assists in 146 appearances for Leverkusen.

Diaby was referred to as "lightning" by German news outlet Bayer04. Following an impressive debut in Germany which saw him level the scores, Freiburg boss Christian Streich discussed his quality after the game, stating, "He was incredibly dangerous and difficult to stop and he kept on posing problems."

Three years on, and league leaders Arsenal are keen on signing the tricky winger.

Arsenal face Premier League competition

However, Arteta could face competition from Newcastle, who are also thought to be in the running for Diaby's signature, according to The Sun.

Eddie Howe attempted to lure the Frenchman to St James' Park last season, but was unsuccessful.

Now according to Bild, Diaby is a 'dream' signing for Newcastle, who could be preparing for a fresh bid this month.

Diaby was thought to be worth around £62million in the summer. However, journalist Manuel Veth believes Diaby's price tag will be the same as Mudryk's, following the financial benchmark set by Chelsea.

The player's contract isn't set to run out until 2025 either, which is likely to make him even more expensive.

Arsenal have also been linked with Brazilian winger Raphinha. But according to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has set a steep asking price of £88m for the player.

Arteta was thought to be interested in signing him from Leeds last summer, but the 26-year-old favoured a move to the Nou Camp instead.