Arsenal are targeting significant offensive reinforcements this summer and have identified RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a priority acquisition.
German outlet Bild reports that the Gunners are prepared to pay £85 million to secure the signature of the 19-year-old attacker.
The north London club faces stiff competition for Diomande, with Paris Saint-Germain already having reached an agreement with the player over personal terms.
However, PSG have yet to begin club-to-club negotiations with Leipzig, and Arsenal are looking to exploit that lack of urgency from the Parisian side.
Liverpool had also pursued Diomande this summer as they seek a replacement for Mohamed Salah, but their £85 million offer was rejected outright by the German club.
That development may serve as a warning for Arsenal, suggesting their proposed bid could face a similar outcome when formal talks begin.
Diomande was in impressive form for RB Leipzig last season, contributing 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions while also performing well at the World Cup.
Despite his obvious talent, questions remain over whether the teenager is actually the right fit for what Mikel Arteta needs at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Arteta is understood to be more focused on adding a left winger to his squad, while Diomande is predominantly most effective on the right side of attack.
Bukayo Saka is the undisputed starter on the right wing, with Noni Madueke already available as capable backup in that position.
Arsenal have been linked with Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola as left-wing options, while Julian Alvarez has also been mentioned as someone effective on that flank.
Investing in a specialist left winger, rather than deploying Diomande in an unnatural role, would arguably represent a more efficient use of Arsenal’s transfer budget this window.
Arsenal’s summer has already seen them miss out on Morgan Rogers, who chose to join rivals Chelsea rather than make the move to the Emirates Stadium.