Arsenal have now made contact to sign a "lightning fast" forward, who could be brought in as an alternative to Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
Gunners eyeing new forward with Saka struggling
Bukayo Saka wasn't involved in the shock 2-1 FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton, with the winger withdrawing from the England squad due to a minor injury problem, but he wasn't in the best of form prior to the defeat.
The 24-year-old has scored just two goals in his last 15 Premier League matches, and Micah Richards has suggested Mikel Arteta's tactics may be to blame, saying: "When you've got Saka and [Leandro] Trossard and [Gabriel] Jesus, this is where you separate the men from the boys. First, I think it comes from the manager, because I think they're having to do too much defensive work.
"When they're getting on the ball, they're having to travel too far up the pitch, and I've said that consistently throughout the season. Then it's about the players now taking the responsibility, because they have are good players, Saka is a top player, but we're not seeing it because one, the setup, and then two, he's out of form."
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With Saka not at his best, the Gunners have set out to sign a new forward, and talks were recently held with intermediaries about a deal for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, who is yet to agree a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Brazilian's current deal is set to expire in 2027, which means he could be up for grabs this summer, but the Madrid star is not the only forward the north Londoners have held talks to sign.
Berta stepping up move for "lightning fast" Vinicius alternative
With Arsenal clearly keen to strengthen on the left wing, they have now made an approach to sign RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, according to a report from Caught Offside.
A source adds: "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."
Bayer Leverkusen's Christian Kofane looks dejected after Arsenal's Declan Rice scores their second goal Related
Arsenal lead race to sign £61m Bundesliga star with opening bid in the works
The Gunners are in pole position.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for the Ivorian, who could command a fee of €100m (£87m), but Andrea Berta is now stepping up the Gunners' move, which is unsurprising, given the level of his performances this season.
Indeed, the 19-year-old has really started to make a name for himself this season, with journalist Bence Bocsak being left in awe, and saying in December: "Technically his first touch is sublime and he’s got that close control combined with quick feet that can get him out of tight spaces. When there’s space ahead of him, he is lightning fast and can use that to his full advantage. You leave space for him at your own peril."
Diomande is enjoying a fantastic debut campaign in Germany, chipping in with ten goals and seven assists in 27 Bundesliga outings, which indicates he could be a real upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli, who has found the net just once all season in the Premier League.