The 22-year-old winger has had an excellent season with Leverkusen, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions.
He is expected to move on from the German club this summer with several clubs in the Premier League believed to be interested in him, including Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.
However, it is Arsenal who are now pushing forward to try to win the race for Diaby’s signature.
According to German magazine Sport Bild, various efforts are under way from the Gunners to take Diaby to the north London club this summer.
Mikel Arteta wants to add more goals to his squad in the next window and the Leverkusen wide man has emerged as a big target.
Qualifying for the Champions League is likely to be key as the player wants to perform in Europe’s premier club competition.
However, Leverkusen are likely to demand a huge fee given Diaby still has three years left on his contract.
The German club are claimed to be looking for a fee of around €75m before agreeing to sell him.
And it remains to be seen if Arsenal will agree to meet the club’s demands, or if Newcastle might present Leverkusen with an offer they cannot refuse.
