They might have suffered their first defeat in months at the hands of Aston Villa on Saturday, but this season is still shaping up to be a memorable one for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side are top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and still haven't reached their full potential.
Moreover, while injuries have taken their toll, the Gunners have a squad bursting at the seams with incredible players, and Bukayo Saka, arguably their most important player, has produced three goal involvements in his last four games.
saka
So, fans should be excited about reports linking Arsenal to a player who has been compared not only to the Englishman but also to summer target Rodrygo.
Arsenal target Saka & Rodrygo hybrid
Uncharacteristically, Arsenal went on something of a spending spree in the summer, bringing in the likes of Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and others.
Therefore, it would be understandable if the North Londoners held off on any major signings in the January window.
However, it would appear that the Gunners are determined to further improve their already impressive squad, and are now looking at a player who has been compared to both Saka and Rodrygo.
bukayo-saka-arsenal-1
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are very interested in signing Yan Diamonde.
In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Premier League leaders have now identified the winger as a priority target.
However, the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to be keen on the youngster and that RB Leipzig would need a fee of up to €100m to sell their star asset, which is about £87m.
It would therefore almost certainly be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Diomande's ability and potential, one Arsenal should fight for anyway, especially as he's been compared to Saka and Rodrygo.
How Diomande compares to Saka & Rodrygo
So, starting with the obvious and somewhat surface-level similarities, like Saka and Rodrygo, Diomande is a seriously exciting winger plying his trade for a team in one of Europe's top five leagues.
yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-man-city
Moreover, unlike some other wingers for top teams, the 19-year-old is someone who can back up his flashy ability with output.
For example, in 15 first-team appearances this season, totalling just 951 minutes, the Ivorian star has scored seven goals and provided four assists.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.36 games, or every 86.45 minutes, which is a rate of return that really lends credence to journalist Bence Bocsák's claim that he is a "generational talent."
However, the comparisons to the two international wingers go deeper than just their positions and ability to produce goal involvements.
Diomands vs wingers in Europe
For example, FBref has ranked Rodrygo as the second-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Leipzig star across Europe's top five leagues, and ranked Saka as the ninth-most similar.
The best way to understand how these comparisons have been made is to take a look at the underlying numbers in which the players rank so closely.
Diomande & Rodrygo
Statistics per 90
Progressive Carries
Shots on Target
Key Passes
Blocks
Passing Accuracy
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
In the case of the Real Madrid star, these metrics include progressive carries, key passes, shots on target, and passing accuracy, all per 90.
In other words, the teen phenom is as capable as the two-time Champions League winner at getting the ball up the pitch, whether by carrying or passing.
Diomande & Saka
Statistics per 90
Expected Goals
Shots
Shots on Target
Passes into the Penalty Area
Shot-Creating Actions
Tackles Won
Ball Recoveries
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
Now, when it comes to the Gunners' mercurial number seven, similar metrics include shot-creating actions, ball recoveries, tackles won, shots on target, expected goals, and more, also per 90.
This suggests that the youngster is as willing to help out with the defensive side of the game as the 24-year-old is, while also still being a serious goal threat.
Ultimately, it would require a significant amount of money, but Arsenal should do what they can to sign Diomande, as, in addition to being a great prospect in his own right, he also has a lot in common with Saka and Rodrygo.
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