Arsenal transfer news: Gunners set for £86m 'bidding war' as forward bids farewell

Arsenal will leave the January window as Premier League leaders after a convincing victory against Leeds United

Arsenal will lead the Premier League as the January transfer window reaches its conclusion. But the Gunners have failed to make any new additions ahead of deadline day.

Mikel Arteta's side bounced back from a home defeat to Manchester United against Leeds United on Saturday, travelling to Elland Road and winning 4-0. This marked Arsenal's 16th win of the current top-flight campaign.

Deadline day is now on the agenda with the January window reaching an end and the Gunners have kept a very low profile transfer-wise so far. A handful of young players, including Ethan Nwaneri, have left on loan though not a pound has been spent.

However, reports from Germany claim that Arteta's side could be on the verge of a pricey bidding war. Mirror Football brings you the latest transfer updates from the Emirates.

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Arsenal to 'contest £86m bidding war'

The Gunners' frontline is one of the Premier League's most feared, but German outlet BILD claims they are one of many clubs interested in RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande.

Diomande is one of Europe's highest-rated young attackers and was signed by Leipzig in 2025 from La Liga side Leganes. Since then, his blazing speed has caught the eye of other European giants.

BILD reports that alongside Arsenal, both Liverpool and Manchester United also have the Ivorian on their radar. Bayern Munich are supposedly another interested party.

The German side are reportedly growing frustrated at the thought of a bidding war with English clubs, with Leipzig likely to demand upwards of £86m for Diomande. Bayern are thought to consider this too high.

Only time will tell where Diomande ends up next, though it is unlikely he will move in the January transfer window, with a summer move the expected outcome.

Forward waves goodbye

In terms of exits, a young forward has said his farewell to Arsenal on social media. Osman Kamara joined the Gunners ahead of the 2014/15 season and has been at the club ever since.

He played for the same Sunday League side as Sol Campbell and represents Sierra Leone at youth level. In the 2023/24 campaign, he reached double figures for goals in the club's academy.

However, despite regularly training with the first team in recent years, he has now left the club, confirming the move on social media. He wrote: "After 10 years at Arsenal, it's time to take the next step in my career.

"I am grateful towards every staff member, coach and the club that nurtured me," continued Kamara, who penned his first pro deal with the Gunners in 2024. "Excited for what's to come!"

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