Newcastle United and Arsenal ‘push’ to sign £50m-rated winger amid ‘constant contact’ claim

Newcastle United have reportedly made a further attempt to land Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby ahead of the summer transfer window.

The nine-times capped France international has been a long-term target of the Magpies and there were reports they made a number of unsuccessful attempts to persuade the Bundesliga club to allow their talented forward to move to Tyneside last summer.

Bayer’s resistance has paid off, with Diaby providing them with an impressive return of 13 goals and nine assists in 38 appearances in all competitions so far this season. His form has been a key factor in helping guide Xabi Alonso’s side to the last eight of the Europa League and into contention for a return to the Champions League after they suffered a group stage exit earlier this season before falling into European football’s second club competition.

Diaby is believed to be high on Newcastle’s list of potential targets as they look to add further quality in wide areas in a bid to build on the unquestionable momentum they have built up during Eddie Howe’s first full season in charge at St James Park. His experience of playing in the Champions League will be an attractive factor for the Magpies should they be successful in securing a return to European competition after a decade-long absence.

However, they are far from the only club to take an interest in the winger as he continues to catch the eye in the Bundesliga. German outlet Sport Bild have claimed Newcastle and Arsenal face competition from Diaby’s former club Paris Saint-Germain - but crucially add the current Premier League leaders have been in ‘constant contact’ with the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

The piece gives an insight into Diaby’s stance on his future with the Bundesliga club, quoting him as saying: “It’s fun when many clubs are interested in you. I am focusing on my season in Leverkusen. It is important to me to make progress.”

Diaby will be back in action on Sunday evening when Bayer Leverkusen visit Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg.