Liverpool and Arsenal battle for Yan Diomande in January window
Liverpool and Arsenal are again locked in a familiar Premier League rivalry, this time away from the pitch, as both clubs intensify their interest in Yan Diomande. The 19 year old winger has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking prospects and his performances in the Bundesliga have not gone unnoticed by the recruitment teams at Anfield and the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool have had a season that has tested both patience and belief, even after Arne Slot’s title winning debut campaign. The Reds have struggled for consistency, prompting growing calls for change among supporters and those murmurs have only increased the focus on potential transfer business. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain eager to strengthen their attacking options as they look to sustain their own title push and Diomande fits the profile of a young, high ceiling forward who could thrive in Mikel Arteta’s system.
With both Liverpool and Arsenal “sending scouts” to monitor Diomande, the race is firmly on and it could develop into one of the most intriguing sagas of the window.
Arne Slot plans amid Liverpool squad challenges
Arne Slot has been forced to juggle his options this season, particularly in defence. The Liverpool manager confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong was likely to be out for a few weeks, leaving the club without a fit right back and increasing the urgency behind any potential business before deadline day. While much of the public discussion has centred on Liverpool’s back line, the pursuit of Yan Diomande shows that the club are also thinking long term about their attacking depth.
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are finally beginning to settle, adding greater fluency in the final third, yet the wider squad has struggled to hit peak levels. That inconsistency has kept Liverpool in the market, with sporting director Richard Hughes understood to be exploring several avenues.
Despite the defensive concerns, Diomande’s profile is hard to ignore. Quick, direct and technically gifted, he offers something different to Liverpool’s current wide options and could be moulded into a major asset under Slot’s guidance.
Arsenal scouting network tracks Yan Diomande
Arsenal’s interest in Yan Diomande reflects their continued focus on elite youth. Christian Falk reported that Arsenal have now entered the race, confirming that both North London and Merseyside clubs are watching the Ivorian closely. Bayern Munich have also been linked but with Luis Diaz established as their first choice, RB Leipzig’s £86 million valuation is considered too steep for the German champions.
That leaves the door open for either Liverpool or Arsenal to make a decisive move. For Arsenal, Diomande would add further pace and unpredictability to an already potent frontline, while Liverpool view him as a potential long term replacement for some of their ageing attackers.
Transfer deadline uncertainty at Anfield
While speculation continues to swirl, there remains a sense that Liverpool will not rush into a deal unless the conditions are right. Names such as Denzel Dumfries and Julian Ryerson have been discussed internally as experienced defensive reinforcements, yet no move has been finalised. With several players due back from injury, Slot may decide he already has sufficient cover.
That uncertainty extends to the pursuit of Yan Diomande. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are keen, but RB Leipzig hold a strong negotiating position and a deal may not be straightforward before the window closes. As ever in football, situations can shift quickly and, with every day bringing fresh developments, nothing can be ruled out.
For now, Liverpool and Arsenal remain locked in a transfer tug of war, with Yan Diomande at the centre of a story that could shape the final days of the January window.
