Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign the “quick” winger in a big-money deal
Arsenal have now been linked with a move to sign the “quick” striker, who could be brought in as an alternative to Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
The Gunners are looking for a new forward as Saka struggles
Bukayo Saka did not feature in the 2-1 FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton, with the defender withdrawing from the England squad with a minor injury problem, but he was not in his best form before the defeat.
The 24-year-old has scored just twice in his last 15 Premier League games, and Micah Richards suggested Mikel Arteta’s tactics could be to blame, saying: “There you are with Saka again [Leandro] Trossard again [Gabriel] Jesus, this is where you separate the men from the boys. First of all, I think it comes from the manager, because I think they have to do a lot of defensive work.
“When they get on the ball, they have to go a long way up the field, and I say that consistently throughout the season. Then it’s about the players who are now committed, because they have good players, Saka is a good player, but we don’t see that because one, set up, then two, he’s not in form.”
With Saka no longer strong, the Gunners are determined to sign a new striker, and recently held discussions with consultants regarding the contract of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, who is yet to agree to a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Brazilian’s contract is set to expire in 2027, meaning he could be involved this summer, but the Madrid star is not the only striker from north London who are in talks to sign him.
The ascendant Berta wants a “lightning quick” alternative Vinicius
With Arsenal clearly keen to strengthen at left-back, they have now made a move to sign RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The source adds: “Arsenal have contacted those close to Diomande to inform them of his future. That does not mean that a bid or offer is imminent or will definitely happen, but it is a position they are looking to strengthen and he is appreciated by their recruiting team.”
Arsenal are leading the race to sign the £61m Bundesliga star by opening a bid for the works
The Gunners are in a good place.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the Ivorian, who could pay up to €100m (£87m), but Andrea Berta is now stepping up the Gunners’ move, which is unsurprising, given his form this season.
The 19-year-old player has certainly started to make a name for himself this season, journalist Bence Bocsak was surprised, he said in December: “Honestly, his first touch is very good and he has close control combined with quick feet that can get him out of tight spaces. If there is space in front of him, he lights up quickly and can use that to his full advantage. He leaves space for him to take risks.”
Diomande is enjoying a fine campaign in Germany, with 10 goals and seven assists in 27 Bundesliga outings, showing he could be a real improvement on Gabriel Martinelli, who has netted just once all season in the Premier League.
