Arsenal 'in contact' with Bundesliga star

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign a winger, and Bayer Leverkusen's young winger Moussa Diaby has emerged as the top target.

The Gunners have reportedly made contact with Diaby's agent over a potential transfer.

The 20-year-old only joined Leverkusen last summer from PSG, but in just 27 appearances in all competitions, he has managed to rack up five goals and eight assists, being one of the club's stars this season.

However, Arsenal do face fierce competition from Borussia Dortmund, who have been monitoring the Frenchman for a few months now.

What makes things worse for Arsenal is that Leverkusen are reportedly only willing to sell for double the valuation that they bought him for, or even more. This could mean that the transfer fee Arsenal would have to pay could be €30 million or higher.

Whilst this fee might not seem too much of a problem for a young player, given the financial crisis that football is in right now, along with Arsenal possibly having to make do without European football, a fee such as €30 million might prove to be too much.

Arsenal are not short on players in attack, but with the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in doubt, Mikel Arteta will have to try and find a new player that can generate the same spark that Aubameyang has often done at the Emirates.

Diaby featured for Leverkusen on Monday, assisting two of the goals in a 4-1 win against Werder Bremen.