Arsenal have been linked with Yan Diomande and my understanding is that they’d have the edge over Liverpool in the race for his signature.
Having reached out to a number of sources close to the situation, I can reveal that Champions League football is considered a must for Diomande when it comes to deciding his future.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
The Ivory Coast international is yet to decide on his future, and he could even sign a new deal with Leipzig, as they remain in contention for Champions League qualification.
Liverpool, by contrast, currently face an uphill battle to get into Europe’s top club competition next season, so could fall behind in the race for Diomande.
Arsenal register interest in Yan Diomande
Liverpool have been strongly linked with Diomande for some time now, but I’m now also aware that the Gunners have registered an interest.
“Arsenal have reached out to those around Diomande to be kept informed over his future,” one source said. “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.”
“Diomande is Liverpool’s preferred Salah replacement, but the reality is that they’ll struggle to get him without Champions League football, and there is a huge amount of interest from all over Europe, with Arsenal very much in the race,” another source added.
I’m also told that Leipzig are now confident they could land even more than the often-quoted €100m for Diomande, whose value is rising all the time along with his reputation.
Yan Diomande transfer looks ideal to add spark to stale Arsenal attack
Arsenal have had a strange season as they sit top of the Premier League table without really looking that convincing with their performances, particularly in attack.
Mikel Arteta’s side often get results through a strong defensive set-up and a threat from set-pieces, but someone like Diomande could help turn them into much more of a threat in attack.
The talented 19-year-old has an impressive return of 11 goals and six assists this season, and that could make him an upgrade on the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
| Yan Diomande | Games | Goals | Assists |
| RB Leipzig 2025/26 | 29 | 11 | 6 |
Arsenal fans will hope there will be more emphasis on creativity and flair next season, with Arteta’s tactics this season not really in keeping with the club’s traditions.
AFC were always great entertainers under Arsene Wenger and even if some tactical tweaking has been useful to improve results, there have also been times this season when it looks like it’s cost the team.
Diomande has spoken publicly about how big a Liverpool fan his Dad is, and how he has always wanted his son to play for LFC. He’s also spoken very highly of LFC as a club himself. LFC also pay higher wages than Arsenal and will soon be losing the huge wages of Salah and not long after the huge wages of van Dijk. Even if LFC are out of the CL for one season, they will be back soon with the squad they are building. I cannot see Diomande picking Arsenal over LFC, no matter what the circumstances. It’s almost nailed on that he’ll be heading to Anfield at some point in the not too distant future.
Hi Chris! It’s a fair point, so we’ll see what happens. For now I’m just posting what I’m hearing, which is that Arsenal’s CL football would be an advantage (doesn’t 100% mean they’d get him just because of that, but it’s a factor). Liverpool’s interest is really strong, though, and of course they’re not out of the CL qualification picture yet anyway. Will do my best to provide updates as and when they come!