Arsenal are reportedly interested in a summer move for AS Monaco forward Keita Balde Diao, who has returned from a loan spell at Inter Milan.
According to a report by French outlet Le 10 Sport, Arsenal have set their sights on another winger as they look to bolster the wide areas in this summer’s transfer window. The Gunners are weighing up a move for Keita Balde Diao, who is valued at €34 million by AS Monaco.
Keita Balde Diao already appears to be a journeyman just six years into his senior career. The Senegalese winger, who came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, joined Lazio in 2011. The winger spent six years with the Serie A club before making his way to AS Monaco in the summer of 2017.
The move to Monaco though, has not panned out as he would have hoped for, and after one failed season, he was shipped out on loan to Inter Milan last summer. But, after starting just nine times this past season at San Siro, the 24-year-old could be set for another move this summer. And, Arsenal could be a possible destination.
The Gunners are in the middle of a crucial summer transfer window after having missed out on Champions League qualification for a third successive year. And, among the positions that need to be addressed by Arsenal are the two wide areas in attack.
If 2018-19 taught onlookers something about Arsenal and their attack, it’s that they lack a natural winger in the squad. This has forced Unai Emery to seek alternative solutions, which have consequently impacted the efficacy of his side’s attack.
As a result, a winger is understandably a priority for Arsenal. But, while the Gunners appeared to be keen on signing Ryan Fraser, the Scottish international is set to stay put at Bournemouth, after insisting he is not going anywhere this summer.
With Arsenal having to set their sights elsewhere, they have been linked with a few wingers, one of them being Wilfried Zaha. But, Keita Balde Diao could be a more affordable option for the North Londoners to consider.
With Inter Milan unwilling to exercise their purchase option for the Senegalese winger and AS Monaco prepared to cash-in on him, Arsenal might be unhindered in their pursuit of the player. And, a €34 million price tag might not be all too prohibitive.
Arsenal might have to offload a few players to add to their restrictive summer budget and if so, a move for Keita Balde Diao might be in the offing. But, the player’s inconsistency might be a subject of concern for the Gunners, and it remains to be seen if they do launch the offensive for the 24-year-old.
