Arsenal in transfer hunt for rapid Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby as Arteta looks at dramatic formation change
ARSENAL are ramping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to reports.
And the winger's signing could represent a change in how Arsenal attack under Mikel Arteta.
Leverkusen's Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund are also keen on him.
With five goals in 27 appearances in all competitions, Diaby has worked nicely as the back-up man to Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea target Kai Havertz.
And he supplied two assists in Monday's 4-1 win over Werder Bremen.
Le10 say that Diaby's agent has "excellent relations" with Arsenal transfer chiefs - who could reinvigorate the squad with a load of fresh faces.
And Gunners bosses will hope that friendship could help foster a reduction on his rumoured £26.8million fee.
Diaby's attacking instincts would, on the face of it, appear to suit a move to the free and fast-flowing style employed by Lucien Favre at Dortmund.
But his arrival at the Emirates could herald a new attacking approach under Arteta.
Diaby is comfortable on either wing and his pace, with club record signing Nicolas Pepe on the other flank, could see the start of a more expansive, open attack.
Since the days of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have scored some wonderful goals, mostly involving intricate passes through the middle.
What Diaby can provide is inch-perfect balls into the box, negating the need to cut inside all the time or rely too much on split-second precise timing with defenders close by.
As much was evident when he provided Havertz's first last night with a lovely chipped cross from the touchline.