Yan Diomande Leads Summer's Elite Winger Targets as Liverpool and Arsenal Circle

The transfer market this summer will offer an embarrassment of riches for clubs seeking wide attacking reinforcements. Both Liverpool and Arsenal have their scouts working overtime as they hunt for fresh talent, with the former chasing silverware and the latter looking to defend their Premier League crown.

When we talk about players being "available," it's worth noting the distinction. These aren't necessarily players whose clubs are actively hawking them to the highest bidder. Rather, these are talents where a deal might realistically be struck if the money and circumstances align correctly. Every player has their price, though some asking fees border on the farcical – Real Madrid's demands for Vinicius Junior, entering the final year of his contract, would comfortably exceed £100million, which hardly represents value.

Before diving into the cream of the crop, several honourable mentions merit acknowledgment: Christos Tzolis, Mika Godts, Savinho, Crysencio Summerville, Rayan, Abde Ezzalzouli, Antonio Nusa, Marcus Rashford, Said El Mala, Gabriel Martinelli, Harry Wilson, Takefusa Kubo, Christian Pulisic, Assane Diao, Jack Grealish and Baris Yilmaz all deserve consideration.

The Rankings

10. Mika Godts (Ajax)

Scouting from the Dutch league carries inherent risk when it comes to wide talents. Cody Gakpo has shown promise, Mohammed Kudus delivered value, yet Antony and Memphis Depay ultimately disappointed after their big-money moves. Godts, however, put up eye-catching numbers last season – 17 goals and 13 assists across 34 league games – substantially outperforming what Antony managed before his £80million Manchester United switch. At just 21 years old, the statistics speak louder than his solitary goal involvement across eight Champions League appearances.

9. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

West Ham will certainly field enquiries for their winger, though they may prove reluctant sellers. Should the club's top-flight troubles deepen, Bowen might force the issue. His consistency across four seasons has been remarkable – nine goals and 11 assists in all 38 games during 2025/26, mirroring his 22-involvement haul from the previous two campaigns. The 29-year-old represents a safer transfer proposition than most, though West Ham would presumably demand premium compensation.

8. Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Leao presents an enigma. Will he arrive in England and tear defences apart, or prove a spectacular flop? There seems no middle ground. His window for a Premier League switch hasn't fully closed, though faith that it materialises is waning. Chelsea once felt inevitable; Manchester United and City seem unlikely. Liverpool's winger search hasn't included his name prominently, which raises eyebrows. Arsenal, however, could prove an intriguing fit. Bayern Munich's interest shouldn't surprise given their previous Anthony Gordon pursuit, while PSG's growing Portuguese contingent offers another pathway.

7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The Egyptian endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, yet somehow remains Salah. Turning 34 this month, he's unlikely to replicate his 29-goal, 18-assist Premier League season from the previous year. A performance level somewhere between those two seasons would still constitute a quality operator, particularly as his Liverpool departure appears confirmed. A free transfer beckons, though his wage demands will prove substantial.

6. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

A 10-year contract extension signed last summer includes a release clause hovering around €90million (£77.8m), a figure justified for a fully-fit Williams. Injury concerns, however, temper enthusiasm. The 23-year-old managed just 25 appearances for Bilbao, returning a modest six goals and four assists. His Euro 2024 brilliance with tournament-winning Spain undoubtedly influences his ranking here – perhaps excessively so. The potential exists for him to elevate any team, provided his fitness permits.

5. Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco)

Operating across the left, right and centrally with unpredictable flair, Akliouche screams out for a bigger stage. His versatility and maverick qualities make him precisely the kind of signing title contenders and Champions League hopefuls crave. Selection for France's star-studded World Cup squad underlines his calibre.

4. Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

Yildiz's potential knows few bounds, hence the inevitable links to Europe's elite. Arsenal, having finally broken their 22-year Premier League drought, still require something special to establish genuine dynasty credentials – perhaps an elite winger like the 21-year-old Turk. His 11 goals and 10 assists across 47 games in 2025/26 caught widespread attention, and he'll feature prominently for Turkey at the World Cup alongside Real Madrid's Arda Guler.

3. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)

Arsenal's winger hunt inevitably circles back to Barcola, as do Liverpool's scouting reports. Competition for places at PSG has intensified considerably, with Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia occupying preferred positions under Luis Enrique. Barcola might reasonably fancy pastures new, and PSG could be persuaded to sell a player they're not desperately keen to retain.

2. Mason Greenwood (Marseille)

The 24-year-old has been a revelation in France, accumulating 48 goals and 17 assists across 81 appearances. A Premier League return remains off the table, meaning any departure would likely lead him toward PSG, Spain, Italy or Saudi Arabia – destinations willing to navigate the considerable controversy surrounding his profile.

1. Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international sits atop this summer's wish list. His breakthrough season has been explosive – 12 Bundesliga goals and nine assists as Leipzig finished third and secured Champions League qualification. The club's €130million (£112m) valuation reflects his meteoric rise and status as one of world football's most sought-after young attackers.

Liverpool lead the chase for his signature as they seek Salah's long-term successor, with his two-footed winger capabilities adding significant appeal. Yet complications abound. His reported affection for PSG presents a genuine obstacle, while Bayern Munich circle opportunistically as they typically do with German domestic talent. PSG's European crown positions them as serious contenders, Arsenal would represent another sensible fit, and Real Madrid naturally retain interest.

Diomande's departure from Leipzig appears increasingly probable given such intense competition for his services. That said, he could elect to remain for another season – Benjamin Sesko demonstrated last year that staying put doesn't preclude eventual big-money moves. Barring injury, Diomande should secure his blockbuster transfer whenever he chooses to pursue it.