Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, dealing a significant blow to Liverpool’s hopes of landing the 19-year-old this summer.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal “have the edge” in the race for Diomande’s signature, and the reason is straightforward. The Ivory Coast international has a strong desire to play Champions League football next season, and Arsenal are virtually certain to qualify as Premier League leaders. Liverpool, who are enduring a difficult campaign and could miss out on the top five altogether, simply cannot offer that guarantee right now.
Why Arsenal are leading the Yan Diomande transfer race
Arsenal have already made initial contact. A source told CaughtOffside: “Arsenal have reached out to those around Diomande to be kept informed over his future. That doesn’t mean a bid or an offer is imminent or definitely going to happen, but it’s a position they’re looking to strengthen and he’s appreciated by their recruitment team.”
The same source added that Diomande remains Liverpool’s preferred target to replace Mohamed Salah, but acknowledged the reality: without Champions League football on the table, the Reds face an uphill battle to get the deal done.
Who is Yan Diomande?
If you haven’t been watching the Bundesliga closely this season, you need to start. Diomande joined RB Leipzig from Leganes last July and has been one of the standout performers in Europe’s top five leagues ever since. He has racked up 11 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances, and ranks second for dribbles completed across Europe’s top five leagues this term, behind only Lamine Yamal. At 19 years old, those numbers are extraordinary.
He is right-footed but comfortable operating on either flank, which gives any potential suitor real tactical flexibility. RB Leipzig value him at around €100m, and have opened talks with his camp over a new contract that would include a significant release clause.
Is Arsenal’s move for Diomande a done deal?
Not yet. Diomande himself is relaxed about his future and is reportedly prepared to wait until after the World Cup before making any final decision. TEAMtalk has also confirmed that Liverpool’s interest remains the most advanced of all the English clubs, and that the Reds are preparing to make an early move to stay ahead of the competition.
Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, so Arsenal will need to move with purpose if they want to secure a player who looks like one of the best young wingers in world football right now. At €100m, it would be a club-record outlay, but given what Diomande is already producing at 19, the argument for pulling the trigger is hard to ignore.
