Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are doing very well this season, but the manager knows the hard work is not over. Arsenal are top of the Premier League and playing with confidence. However, injuries are starting to cause problems. Because of this, Arteta is thinking about signing new players in January. Reports say Arsenal are watching a young player who could cost £86 million. These decisions could help them stay strong and keep their title dream alive.
🚨 Arsenal are considering a move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the 19-year-old firmly on the club’s radar. 🔴
Any deal is expected to be summer-only, with Leipzig unwilling to sell this month, and a fee of around €100M likely required. PSG and Manchester United are… pic.twitter.com/4iGR8usXdw
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 7, 2026
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal face injury worries
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have enjoyed a great run in the league. The team has won five games in a row since losing to Aston Villa in December. They now sit six points clear at the top of the table. Fans are excited, and the mood around the club is very positive.
But there is also a problem. Several Arsenal players are injured and cannot play. This makes the squad smaller and puts more pressure on the players who are fit. Arteta has said he does not want his team to become tired later in the season.
Arsenal will soon play Liverpool, one of the toughest teams in the league. Big matches like this need fresh legs and strong options on the bench. That is why January transfers are important. Arteta wants to protect his players and keep Arsenal competitive until the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal linked with £86m star
Mikel Arteta and the Gunners are closely watching Yan Diomande, a young forward who plays for RB Leipzig. Diomande is only 19 years old, but he has been very impressive this season. He has scored six goals and made three assists in the Bundesliga.
Reports say Diomande may leave Leipzig in the summer, but he will not be cheap. Arsenal could need to pay around £86 million to sign him. Leipzig do not want to sell him in January and have made that very clear. His contract runs until 2030, so the German club is in a strong position.
Diomande joined Leipzig last summer from Leganes for £17.3 million. His value has risen very fast. Many big clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham, are also interested. Arsenal see him as a player for the future, not just for now.
Fans react to Arsenal transfer links
Arsenal fans have mixed feelings about the possible move. Some fans think Diomande could become a world-class player and is worth the money. Others worry that £86 million is too much for a young player.
Fans are more relaxed about Arsenal’s interest in Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers. The 17-year-old winger has already played senior football and has refused a new contract at Blackburn. Arteta wants to sign him in January, and many fans like this smart and low-risk move.
Why these moves matter for Arsenal
January signings could make a big difference for Gunners. New players can help cover injuries and keep the team fresh. Even if Diomande arrives in summer, planning early is important.
Arteta wants Arsenal to compete now and in the future. Good transfer decisions could help them win the league and stay strong for many seasons.
Author’s Opinion
From my view, this reaction shows how divided fans are whenever a big fee is mentioned. Some excitement is natural because the player looks talented, but £86m talk always brings fear. Arsenal should not rush just because rivals are gaining interest. Mikel Arteta has built this team with smart planning, not panic buys. If the player truly fits Arsenal’s style and long-term plan, the price can be justified. But if this is only hype driven by links to Manchester United, Arsenal must stay calm. Winning teams make clear decisions, not emotional ones.
As featured on GoonerNews.com