The start to 2026 couldn't have gone much better for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side picked up all three points away to Bournemouth, while Premier League title rivals Manchester City dropped points in three games on the bounce.
There is still plenty of football to be played this year, but the North Londoners now have an incredible chance to extend their lead over Pep Guardiola's side when they play Liverpool on Thursday night.
declan-rice-arsenal
However, while Arteta and Co have to focus their attention on this season, others within the club appear to be planning for the long term and, if reports are to be believed, have identified a dream transfer target, someone who'd be the perfect Gabriel Martinelli upgrade.
Arsenal target Martinelli upgrade
As things stand, Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League, even with all the injuries they've had to deal with, having conceded only 14 goals.
Impressively, the Gunners also have one of the best attacks in the league, with their tally of 40 goals only bettered by City, who have scored 45.
However, to ensure North Londoners continue to improve into next season, they surely have to try to create the best attacking lineup in the competition.
Arsenal's top scorers in the PL
Player
Trossard
Gyokeres
Rice
Saka
Eze
Merino
Zubimendi
Magalhaes
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Fortunately, this is what they appear to be planning to do, even if it could be bad news for Martinelli.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are one of the sides very interested in Yan Diomande, viewing him as an 'ideal' signing this year.
In fact, the report has revealed that, alongside the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the Gunners have 'launched a fierce battle' for the Ivorian's signature.
The intense competition won't be the only potential barrier to Andrea Berta and Co getting their man, though, as the report claims RB Leipzig want €100m to sell, which is about £87m.
yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-man-city
It would therefore likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Diomande's immense ability and potential, Arsenal should go all out for him, especially as he'd be a dream Martinelli upgrade.
Why Diomande would be bad news for Martinelli
One of Diomande's biggest strengths is that not only can he play on either flank, but he also appears to be relatively comfortable on either side, unlike some players who clearly favour one side over the other.
Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast
However, were he to join Arsenal, it feels like he would do so primarily as a left-winger, as with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke in the team, the right-hand side is accounted for.
This means that Martinelli would be one of his main competitors for game time, and based on his regression since a phenomenal term in 2022/23, that feels like a competition the Ivorian would win.
Martinelli seasonal stats comparison (timeless)
Indeed, since scoring 15 Premier League strikes during that campaign, his numbers have decreased significantly.
Therefore, in Diomande, they could sign a tremendous upgrade. In 16 appearances this season, totalling 1041 minutes, the "sensational" gem, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored seven goals and provided four assists.
That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 94.63 minutes.
In contrast, the Gunners' number 11 has scored six goals and provided just one assist in 22 appearances, totalling 914 minutes.
That comes out to a still-good but less-impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.14 games, or every 130.57 minutes.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian winger, things only get worse for him when you compare their underlying numbers.
Diomande vs Martinelli
Statistics per 90
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Shots on Target
Passing Accuracy
Key Passes
Expected Assists
Passes into the Final Third
Passes into the Penalty Area
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Tackles
Successful Take-Ons
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
For example, according to FBref, the Ivorian comes out streets ahead in almost every single relevant metric.
These include progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles, successful take-ons, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it won't be an easy transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Diomande, even if it spells the end of Martinelli's time at the Emirates.
Arsenal-Declan-Rice Related
[Arteta's next Rice: £65m "powerhouse" has become a target for Arsenal](https://www.footballfancast.com/next-rice-kees-smith-a-target-for-arsenal/ "Arteta's next Rice: £65m "powerhouse" has become a target for Arsenal")
The hugely promising ace could become another Declan Rice-type star for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.