A summer transfer for Moussa Diaby is reportedly more likely than a January move, despite Arsenal holding talks with Bayer Leverkusen.

Patrick Berger of German outlet SPORT1 reports that Arsenal are very interested in Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen after the collapse of their deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Gunners have reportedly held initial talks with Leverkusen over the transfer, but they don’t want to sell him in January.

A summer transfer is a more likely option, and Diaby would cost €75m (£65.7m) plus bonuses.

Perhaps this fits with the reports of Arsenal’s pursuit of Leandro Trossard, who could join on a smaller fee in the January window, leaving funds available for a more financially significant summer move.

Adrian Kajumba reported for the Daily Mail earlier this week that Newcastle United had also made an enquiry over the potential signing.

Newcastle are long-term admirers of Diaby, but in the past, they’ve considered Leverkusen’s demands to be excessive. However, with Arsenal showing an interest, they made a renewed enquiry.

The winger is under contract until 2025, so various outlets expect him to be an expensive acquisition.

Bundesliga reporter Manuel Veth writes that the price for Diaby would be the same, if not more, than for Mudryk.

Diaby has eight goals and four assists this season, bringing him to 43 goals and 41 assists in 146 games for Bayer Leverkusen overall.

The 23-year-old is also a France international, and he can play on either wing.