Arsenal
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez Under The Microscope: Where Does The £35m Man Fit In?
Unlike the doom and gloom that usually preceded the start of a season for the Gunners in the recent past, this summer seems a lot different. For the first time in what seems like a long-time, the club enters into a new season with some silverware in their trophy cabinet. The FA Cup victory means that the monkey is well and truly off their back.
Wenger’s plan is slowly coming to fruition and the recent acquisition of Alexis Sanchez only highlights how far they have come. Consistently linked with Liverpool, the Chilean winger is on his way to North London from Catalonia and will no doubt, feel at home considering the array of attacking talent at Arsenal’s disposal.
The 25-year-old winger had arguably his best season as at Barcelona last time around and is coming on the back of a wonderful World Cup in Chile, where he was his side’s best player. Young, quick and skillful, Sanchez will fit in seamlessly at Arsenal. His versatility also means that the Gunners have quite a talent on their hands at the moment.
Where will Alexis Sanchez play at Arsenal? He played on the right wing for most of the time, at Barcelona, will he continue the same at Arsenal? Will he get an automatic starting berth ahead of Walcott on the right or will be forced to play on the left, where the Gunners don’t have a natural wide player? Or will he play as a central playmaker, like he used to at Udinese?
These are the questions that both Arsene Wenger and supporters of Arsenal will be asking themselves. To make matters a little easier for both of them, let us look at where Sanchez is at his most effectual and how he can be efficiently used by the Gunners.
As the central attacking midfielder in the front three
Comparison between Sanchez and Arsenal’s attacking midfielders last season (League)
| Sanchez | Ozil | Ramsey | |
| Games Played | 34 | 26 | 23 |
| Goals/Assists | 19/10 | 5/9 | 10/8 |
| Pass accuracy | 80 | 88 | 84 |
| Chances created | 47 | 76 | 32 |
| Key Passes | 1.09 | 2.58 | 1.04 |
(All stats per whoscored)
If there is one position that Sanchez feels at home, then it is just behind the striker, in a free role. For Arsenal, Ramsey and Ozil did this at various parts of the season last time. The Chilean’s arrival is going to mean that Ramsey will have to occupy a deeper role and Ozil will have to play on the left, if Sanchez is to be accommodated as the central attacking midfielder.
While playing two players out of position to suit one player might seem like a silly thing to do, that might just be the best thing for all concerned. One of the main reasons why Ramsey was the more attacking player last time around was due to a lack of alternatives. With Ozil and Sanchez now in the squad, he is likely to revert to a more familiar box-to-box role in central midfield. Sanchez’s mobility means that both he and Ozil can interchange positions and confuse the opposition with their combination play.
This will also mean that Arsenal start with a triumvirate of Walcott, Sanchez and Ozil who can all interchange positions and make Arsenal’s attack highly fluid. It will also mean that for the first time in a long time, the Gunners will have the perfect balance of pace, trickery and incisive passing that can break open most defences.
As a right winger/ right-sided attacking midfielder
Comparison between Sanchez and Walcott in the League last season
| Sanchez | Walcott | |
| Games Played | 34 | 13 |
| Goals/Assists | 19/10 | 5/4 |
| Pass accuracy | 80 | 81 |
| Chances created | 47 | 23 |
| Key Passes | 1.09 | 1.46 |
| Dribbles | 1.1 | 0.7 |
(All stats per whoscored)
If there is one position that Sanchez found himself in most often at Barcelona last season, it was on the right flank. At Arsenal, he is set to go head-to-head with Theo Walcott, who was injured for much of last season, for a spot on the right wing. Given the fewer number of games played by Walcott, the stats from last season are a little skewed. But what is evident already is that Walcott has a better pass accuracy than Sanchez and also provides more key passes per game.
While Walcott is more of a finisher, Sanchez is a creator first and foremost. While his ability on the ball is undeniable, his off-the-ball movement is simply sublime. One of the reasons why he scores so many goals is his ability to time his runs to perfection. His intelligent movement and high energy style of play means that he is a nightmare for full backs. His ability to create chances for his teammates means that Giroud is likely to enjoy his presence and his little flicks will be easily picked up by the ever-willing Sanchez.
As a false number nine
If Arsene Wenger decides to not buy another centre forward and decides that he is happy with what he has, then the signing of Sanchez might prove crucial. Last season, Sanchez played a few games as a false number nine. If and when Giroud gets injured Wenger will have the luxury of playing a 4-2-3-1 or with no recognized centre forwards and Sanchez leading the line, with Ozil just behind him and Walcott and Podolski on either flank.
Sanchez has shown over the past few seasons, how clinical he can be in front of goal, something that might just help him take over from Giroud as the side’s centre forward or a false nine, depending on how you want to call it. However, this will work best as a temporary solution, when injuries or suspensions hit the side hard and not as a more permanent solution.
Verdict
Irrespective of where he plays, the signing of Sanchez is a statement of intent from the Gunners. It is also one that proves that they are going for the League this time around and won’t just be content with finishing fourth yet again. The Chilean winger will certainly add another dimension to Arsenal’s already impressive attacking arsenal and make them more clinical in front of goal.
Player Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yan Diomande |
| Age | 19 years old (Born: November 14, 2006) |
| Position | Left Winger / Right Winger |
| Current Club | RB Leipzig |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Contract | Until June 2030 (5-year deal) |
| Market Value | €100 million (Leipzig valuation) |
| Transfer Fee Paid | €20 million (from Leganes, July 2025) |
| International | Ivory Coast (2 caps, 2 goals) |
| Previous Clubs | Leganes, DME Academy (USA) |
Scout Report
Overview
Yan Diomande represents one of European football’s most remarkable breakout stories in 2025-26. The 19-year-old Ivorian winger has exploded onto the Bundesliga scene just months after RB Leipzig activated his €20 million release clause from Spanish second-tier side Leganes. His four goals and three assists in 10 appearances have attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG.
Career Path
Diomande’s journey began in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, before his family relocated to the United States. He played high school football for Yulee Hornets in Florida before enrolling at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, where scouts first noticed his raw talent.
He featured for DME’s affiliate AS Frenzi in the amateur UPSL, winning the 2023 United Premier Soccer League Premier Division and earning 2023 STARI Player of the Year honors.
After unsuccessful trials with MLS sides Colorado Rapids and Charlotte FC, plus Scottish giants Rangers and clubs in England and Greece, Diomande signed with Leganes in November 2024. Shortly before his move to Spain, tragedy struck when his younger sister passed away. “My little sister died shortly before I signed my contract in Spain,” Diomande revealed. He promised his mother to dedicate his next goal to her, breaking down emotionally when scoring his first professional goal in May 2025 against Espanyol.
He made just seven appearances for Leganes before Leipzig identified him as a future star, paying his €20 million release clause in July 2025 and securing him on a five-year contract through June 2030.
Playing Style
Diomande operates primarily as a left winger despite being right-footed, allowing him to cut inside and create shooting opportunities. His technical ability in tight spaces, combined with sharp movement and creativity, makes him dangerous when receiving possession in advanced positions.
His purple patch of form has been extraordinary—scoring three goals in three consecutive games while registering three assists in his last three outings. These numbers reflect either a hot streak or genuine elite quality emerging. Time will determine which, but his current trajectory suggests the latter.
Diomande’s versatility allows him to play on both flanks and feature in midfield, offering tactical flexibility managers crave. His attacking awareness and eye for goal have impressed scouts across Europe, particularly during his Player of the Match performance against Stuttgart where he scored in a 3-1 victory in front of numerous observers.
Physical Attributes
While specific height and weight measurements aren’t publicly available, match footage shows Diomande possesses the pace and agility needed to beat defenders one-on-one. His quick feet and ability to change direction rapidly make him difficult to contain in wide areas.
His stamina allows him to maintain intensity across 90 minutes, pressing defensively when required while making repeated attacking runs. This work rate aligns with modern winger expectations at elite clubs like Arsenal.
Mental Attributes
Diomande’s mental strength is remarkable considering his age and recent personal tragedy. Making his senior Ivory Coast debut in November 2025 and scoring in both of his first two international appearances demonstrates confidence and composure under pressure.
His ability to dedicate his first professional goal to his late sister while maintaining emotional control shows maturity beyond his teenage years. This psychological resilience will prove crucial if he moves to the Premier League’s intense environment.
Diomande’s willingness to relocate from the United States to Spain, then Germany within 12 months demonstrates adaptability and ambition unusual for teenagers. Most players his age prefer stability, but Diomande chases opportunities aggressively.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Explosive Form: Four goals and three assists in 10 Bundesliga appearances represents exceptional output for an 19-year-old winger in his debut season at a major European league. His recent run of three goals and three assists in consecutive matches suggests genuine quality rather than lucky variance.
International Recognition: Earning senior Ivory Coast caps within months of his Leipzig debut validates his talent beyond just club performances. Scoring in both international appearances demonstrates he produces at multiple competitive levels.
Versatility Across Forward Line: Can operate on both wings and in midfield, providing tactical flexibility managers value. This adaptability allows rotation without dropping quality, crucial for squads competing across multiple competitions.
Youth and Resale Value: At 19, Diomande offers 10-12 years of peak football. Any club signing him secures an asset that appreciates if his development continues, protecting investment even if he doesn’t work out immediately.
Technical Security: His quick feet and calm touch in tight areas allow him to receive possession under pressure and eliminate defenders with close control. This technical foundation suggests he’ll adapt to Premier League physicality.
No Release Clause: Leipzig removed any release clause from his contract, meaning they control negotiations completely. This provides contract security while allowing Leipzig to demand maximum value if selling.
Proven Adaptability: Successfully transitioning from American high school football to Spanish segunda division to Bundesliga within 18 months demonstrates rapid learning curve and mental resilience unusual for teenagers.
Weaknesses
Extremely Limited Sample Size: 10 professional appearances at elite level represents insufficient data to project long-term trajectory. Many players produce excellent short-term numbers before regression toward mean performance levels.
Physical Profile Unknown: Lack of publicly available height, weight, and athletic metrics makes comprehensive scouting difficult. Premier League demands specific physical attributes, and insufficient information exists to project his suitability.
Unproven Against Elite Opposition: Has yet to face Champions League football or genuine top-tier defensive systems. Bundesliga provides competitive environment but differs significantly from Premier League’s intensity and tactical sophistication.
Potential Purple Patch Player: His recent three-goal, three-assist run in consecutive matches could represent variance rather than sustainable performance. History shows many players produce excellent short periods before fading.
Adaptation Risk: Moving from high school football to Bundesliga in under two years seems remarkable, but Premier League represents another significant step up. Players often struggle when making too many transitions quickly without consolidation periods.
Age and Development Uncertainty: At 19, predicting his ceiling remains speculative. Physical and technical development could plateau, or injuries could derail trajectory before reaching predicted potential.
Language Barriers: Has relocated from United States to Spain to Germany within 18 months, potentially speaking limited Spanish and German fluently. Communication challenges could impact tactical understanding and integration.
Opportunities
Gabriel Martinelli’s Injury: Arsenal’s Brazilian winger has been sidelined with a thigh injury since October 26, creating immediate vacancy on the left wing. Diomande’s profile fits this position perfectly.
Gabriel Jesus’ Fitness Issues: Arsenal’s backup striker continues struggling with injury problems. Diomande’s ability to play multiple forward positions provides cover across attacking line.
Noni Madueke’s Knee Injury: The Chelsea transfer suffered knee problems after joining Arsenal last summer, highlighting squad depth concerns. Adding another winger addresses this vulnerability.
January Transfer Window Timing: Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and could use January reinforcement to consolidate position. Diomande’s form makes him available target during crucial period.
Leipzig’s Sales History: The German club has track record of selling young talents to Premier League—Benjamin Sesko, Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai all made similar moves recently. Leipzig understand Premier League valuations.
Reduced Competition in January: Many clubs wait until summer to pursue targets. Acting in January could secure Diomande before bidding war intensifies with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG all interested.
Ivory Coast AFCON Participation: If selected for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Diomande gains additional platform to showcase abilities. Strong tournament performance would increase Arsenal’s confidence in investment.
Comparable to Erling Haaland Trajectory: Experts suggest Diomande could become Leipzig’s most valuable player since Haaland. If comparisons prove accurate, any price paid now will seem bargain within 18 months.
Threats
€100 Million Valuation: Leipzig reportedly value Diomande at €100 million despite paying just €20 million six months ago. This 500% markup seems unrealistic for player with 10 senior appearances, creating negotiation impasse.
Overwhelming Competition: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and PSG all monitoring him. Competition from clubs with deeper pockets threatens any deal.
Leipzig’s Development Track Record: RB Leipzig specializes in developing young talents before selling at premium prices. Diomande might benefit more from staying in Germany to consolidate development before Premier League move.
Premier League Adaptation Concerns: Transition from Bundesliga to Premier League has destroyed many promising careers. Physical intensity, tactical sophistication, and pressure differ significantly from German football.
No Guarantee of Playing Time: At Arsenal, Diomande would compete with Saka, Martinelli, Madueke, Eze, and Trossard for minutes. Lack of guaranteed starts could stunt development or create frustration leading to departure demands.
Contract Length Until 2030: Leipzig hold all negotiating leverage with five years remaining. They can demand astronomical fees knowing Diomande cannot force exit through contract pressure.
Potential For Overvaluation: His €100 million reported valuation after 10 appearances represents extreme overvaluation unless he becomes generational talent. Arsenal risk overpaying for potential that never materializes.
Personal Tragedy Impact: Losing his sister shortly before turning professional could have long-term psychological effects not yet apparent. Mental health challenges sometimes emerge months or years after traumatic events.
Verdict for Arsenal
Yan Diomande represents exactly the profile Arsenal typically pursue—young, talented, technically secure, and capable of playing multiple positions. His explosive start at Leipzig validates his potential as future elite winger.
However, the €100 million valuation after just 10 senior appearances represents insane overvaluation that Arsenal should reject immediately. Paying that sum for unproven teenager with such limited sample size would be financial malpractice regardless of talent.
If Leipzig reduce demands to €40-50 million, conversation becomes more reasonable. At that price, Arsenal acquire a prospect with genuine upside while maintaining financial flexibility for other positions.
The timing feels premature. Diomande should consolidate his Bundesliga performances across full season before making another significant move. Jumping from high school to segunda division to Bundesliga to Premier League within three years risks overwhelming development with too many transitions.
Arsenal’s left-wing situation isn’t desperate enough to justify €100 million gamble. Martinelli will return from injury, Eze can cover, and Trossard provides experience. Investing that sum in proven talent like Rafael Leao or Antoine Griezmann makes more strategic sense if addressing immediate title ambitions.
Summer 2026 represents better timing. By then, Diomande will have full Bundesliga season completed, providing larger sample size for evaluation. His valuation might decrease if form regresses, or Arsenal’s conviction strengthens if he maintains production.
Rating: 7/10 transfer prospect for summer 2026, 4/10 for January 2026—exciting talent with genuine potential but premature timing and unrealistic valuation make immediate move illogical.
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Arsenal
Bukayo Saka Names Former Arsenal Star as Best Player He’s Played With Despite Kane and Rice Options
Bukayo Saka overlooked current Arsenal teammates and England stars to name Mesut Ozil as the best player he’s shared a pitch with during his career. The 24-year-old’s choice surprised many given he’s played alongside Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden at international level.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Saka was unequivocal when asked about his best teammate. “Maybe Mesut Ozil. High quality player, man. It was just fun, hard to describe it. Fun to play with him, fun to watch him.”
The endorsement holds particular weight considering Saka played just 17 matches alongside Özil during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. His Arsenal debut came in December 2018 against Qarabağ FK, where the then-17-year-old earned Player of the Match honors in a match decided by Özil’s assist for the game’s only goal.
Mesut Ozil Was Instrumental in Arsenal’s Multiple FA Cup Success
Özil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013, accumulating 44 goals and 77 assists across 254 appearances. His 19 Premier League assists during the 2015-16 season remain second only to Thierry Henry in Arsenal history, demonstrating the creative excellence that captivated young Saka.
The German playmaker helped Arsenal secure four FA Cup titles, breaking their nine-year trophy drought. However, his Arsenal career ended controversially after publicly criticizing China’s human rights policies in 2019, leading to marginalization under Mikel Arteta and eventual departure to Fenerbahce in January 2021.
Saka’s choice becomes more intriguing when considering Martin Ødegaard has already surpassed Özil’s Premier League goal total despite playing 3,000 fewer minutes. Yet the England international’s admiration for Özil’s effortless quality clearly left an indelible impression during those brief 17 matches together.
Özil retired from professional football in March 2023 after spells with Fenerbahce and İstanbul Başakşehir. He joined Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party’s central council in 2025, pursuing political interests alongside business ventures including esports and Mexican club Necaxa ownership.
Also Read: Gabriel Magalhaes Suffers Injury During International Break: What Do We Know So Far?
Arsenal Women were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby at Brisbane Road, failing to capitalize on Chelsea’s earlier slip-up against Liverpool.
Despite dominating possession and registering 13 shots, the Gunners couldn’t find a way past a resilient Spurs side, leaving them eight points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
1: Arsenal’s Creativity Crisis Is Getting Worse
The numbers tell a damning story. Arsenal have scored more goals than any other WSL side in 2025 with 60 from 21 games, yet they’ve suddenly lost their cutting edge when it matters most. Renee Slegers’ side were completely dominant at Brisbane Road, but goalkeeper Lize Kop was never at full stretch.
Stina Blackstenius was denied twice by routine saves, while substitute Olivia Smith also failed to test Kop with any conviction. Coming off Wednesday’s 3-2 collapse against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Arsenal’s creative struggles are becoming a concerning pattern. Slegers admitted Arsenal need “a better end product.”
2: Tottenham Set Up Perfectly to Nullify Arsenal
Martin Ho’s tactical approach was spot on. As Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christiansen bluntly put it, “Tottenham were set up to draw.” And they executed that game plan brilliantly.
Spurs flooded bodies back into their defensive third, made it difficult for Arsenal in the box, and succeeded in their objective of leaving with a point. This was Tottenham’s first goalless draw in the WSL in 81 matches. The last came against Reading in March 2022, and only the third time in 12 WSL encounters they’ve taken points off Arsenal. The 6,788 fans at Brisbane Road witnessed a masterclass in defensive organization from Clare Hunt and Toko Koga.
3: Title Race Is Slipping Away From Arsenal
Here’s the harsh reality: No previous WSL champion has ever gone on to lift the title having dropped 11 points across a 22-game campaign. Arsenal have now reached that unwanted milestone with more than half the season still to play.
Manchester City extended their lead at the top to three points from Chelsea – their biggest margin of difference so far this season. Arsenal sit eight points behind the league leaders having played the same number of games. They had the perfect opportunity to gain ground after Chelsea dropped points earlier in the day, but instead passed up the chance spectacularly.
Also read: AI Predicts Upcoming Heated North London Derby Between Arsenal Women and Tottenham Hotspur Women
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