Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are ramping up efforts to sign Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz, with reports from CaughtOffside revealing that the Gunners are preparing a £42 million offer for the 25-year-old Moroccan international. Manager Mikel Arteta, keen to strengthen his forward line, sees Diaz as a key addition for the 2025/26 campaign.
According to sources close toDefensa Central andFichajes, Arsenal’s move for Diaz reflects a growing urgency at the Emirates to add attacking depth following a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League. The lack of rotation options for stars like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard proved costly last season, and Diaz’s versatility makes him an ideal solution.
Diaz featured 44 times for Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. Despite his contributions, he often found himself on the fringes, playing behind high-profile names such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo. With limited opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti, a move away from the Bernabéu could offer the former AC Milan loanee a chance to reignite his career.
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Mikel Arteta is already familiar with Diaz, having worked with him during their time at Manchester City. The Arsenal boss is said to be confident that Diaz’s creative flair and tactical intelligence would complement his system perfectly, whether deployed on the wing, in attacking midfield, or even as a false nine.
Arsenal - Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s proposed €50 million bid would exceed Diaz’s current market value of €40 million (as estimated by Transfermarkt), signalling a clear intent to get the deal done swiftly. Reports suggest Real Madrid could be open to a sale, given the player’s limited role in the squad and the club’s need to balance their bloated forward line.
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New sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly playing a key role in negotiations, using his extensive network in European football to accelerate discussions. Arsenal are also believed to have reopened talks with Diaz’s representatives, as competition mounts from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, both of whom have recently scouted the player.
Should Arsenal finalise the deal in the coming weeks, Diaz could feature prominently in the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, which includes matches against AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore, and a North London Derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong on July 31.
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