Arsenal are pushing ahead with one of their boldest plans of the season. They want to sign Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from RB Leipzig who many are calling a mix of Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo. Reports in Spain say Arsenal are ready to fight off Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City for the £87m talent. For fans, this could be one of the biggest transfer battles of the window.
How Arsenal Identified a Saka–Rodrygo Hybrid
Arsenal may have lost to Aston Villa, but their season is still strong. Mikel Arteta’s team is top of both the Premier League and Champions League groups. They have done this even with injuries to key players. Bukayo Saka is still delivering, with three goal contributions in his last four games.
Even after big summer signings like Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, and Viktor Gyokeres, the club wants more attacking power. They now see Diomande as the next big step; he offers Saka-like creativity and Rodrygo-like pace.
🚨NEW | Arsenal have made RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande (19) their No.1 priority for summer 2026.
The explosive Ivorian winger, valued at €80-100m by Leipzig, is also tracked by Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City, Real Madrid & PSG.
Arteta sees him as the ideal long-term wide… pic.twitter.com/8HrEf54Vqh
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) December 10, 2025
Diomande Seen as Saka–Rodrygo Hybrid Option
Arsenal’s push for Yan Diomande has moved fast, and the interest is now very serious. A new report from Jack Salveson-Holmes of Fancast says the 19-year-old winger has become a priority target for the Premier League leaders. RB Leipzig do not want to sell him, but they may have to listen if a club offers close to £87m (€100m). With Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City also watching the player, Arsenal knows they must act early to stay ahead.
The reason behind the chase is simple Diomande looks like a top star already. Even at his young age, he has 7 goals and 4 assists in only 951 minutes this season. That means he makes a goal or an assist almost every game, which is rare for a teenager. His style is what grabs attention. He dribbles with speed like Bukayo Saka, makes sharp runs like Rodrygo, and works hard without the ball.
According to FBref, Rodrygo is the second-most similar winger to Diomande in Europe’s top leagues, while Saka is the ninth-most similar. Diomande matches Rodrygo in progressive carries, key passes, and shots on target. He also matches Saka in expected goals, shot-creating actions, and defensive work. For Arsenal, he looks like the perfect long-term winger.
Fan Reactions
Fans online are already buzzing about the “Saka–Rodrygo hybrid” tag. Arsenal supporters love the idea of adding another fast, creative winger who can ease the load on Saka. Many say the club should pay the money now rather than wait and face competition later.
Chelsea and Liverpool fans are also debating the move, with some fearing Arsenal would become even stronger. On social media, clips of Diomande’s goals and dribbles have gone viral. Meanwhile, many are calling him “the next big thing” and “a real generational prospect.”
Impact Implications
If Arsenal signs Diomande, it would be one of the biggest moves of the window. It would give Arteta another top winger for the title push and Champions League knockouts. It would also protect Arsenal in case of injuries to Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.
For Leipzig, losing their star would be a major setback mid-season. For rivals like Chelsea, City, and Liverpool, missing out would mean falling behind Arsenal in long-term squad building. The transfer could shift momentum in both the league and the European market.
Author’s Opinion
In my view, Arsenal must push hard for Yan Diomande. The price is big, but players like him do not appear often. He has speed, calm, and a great end product at a very young age. If Arsenal waits, another club will take him. This is the kind of move that can shape a team for many years. If the deal is possible, Arsenal should not walk away.
As featured on GoonerNews.com