Arsenal have entered the race for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomandé, according to The Athletic. The Gunners have been tracking the 19-year-old's development throughout the season and now view him as a potential summer target.
Understanding is Leipzig are seeking in the region of €100 million for the Ivorian, a figure that reflects both his immediate impact and long-term potential. The Bundesliga side have ruled out any January departure entirely.
Diomandé's numbers speak for themselves. Seven goals and four assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances. He leads the German top flight in successful take-ons with 42 — twelve more than the next best player, Bayern Munich's Michael Olise.
What makes this one interesting: he only arrived at Leipzig last summer from Leganés for around €20 million after spending just half a season in La Liga. Before that? US college soccer. The trajectory has been absurd.
Sources confirm Manchester United submitted an opening bid worth €90 million earlier this week. A meeting between United officials and Leipzig representatives took place, with the Bundesliga club granting permission for contract talks. The Red Devils are reportedly offering the player an annual salary of €3.5 million.
But INEOS have their own problems right now. Ruben Amorim's departure on Monday has thrown the club into flux, and any long-term recruitment strategy remains unclear until a permanent manager is appointed.
Arsenal's interest presents a different picture. Mikel Arteta's side are five points clear at the top of the Premier League and looking to add depth to an attacking unit that could use more dynamism on the flanks. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli each average less than 1.2 dribbles per 90 minutes this season. Diomandé averages 4.24 successful take-ons per 90.
Liverpool and Tottenham have also registered interest. Paris Saint-Germain continue to monitor the situation as part of their ongoing squad refresh.
Diomandé is currently in Morocco representing Ivory Coast at AFCON. He scored in their 3-1 Round of 16 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday, enhancing his reputation on the international stage. The teenager also leads the tournament in dribbles completed per 90 minutes with 5.5.
Leipzig's position is firm: they have no appetite for a mid-season sale. The race will heat up in the summer, and Arsenal appear well-positioned to compete. Whether they're willing to meet that €100 million valuation is another matter entirely.
