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Liverpool are willing to spend big on this significant Arsenal transfer target
Arsenal are faced with competition for one of their exciting transfer targets as Liverpool have joined the race to sign the highly sought-after Yan Diomande.
The RB Leipzig winger has earned himself a place on multiple top clubs’ radars ahead of 2026, including Premier League leaders Arsenal. At just 19 years of age, Diomande has established himself as a key part of the German side and he has seven goals and four assists in all competitions so far this season.
While Arsenal are keen on the versatile winger, Liverpool have emerged into the picture and have reportedly cranked up their interest in bringing him to Anfield next year. The pursuit of Diomande comes amid uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield.
Liverpool interest in Arsenal target upgraded to ‘urgent’
According to Fichajes, Liverpool have identified Diomande as a ‘long-term solution’ for Salah, who will turn 34 next year and be in the final 12 months of his contract.
Following the pattern of their expensive summer, the Premier League champions are prepared to ‘invest a record sum’ in order to secure a deal for the RB Leipzig gem. The report claims that Liverpool have upgraded their interest in Diomande from ‘exploratory’ to ‘urgent’.
Leipzig are demanding a fee in the region of €100 million (£88m), which reflects the kind of figures today’s market has set for players of the Ivorian’s profile. Liverpool will consider paying such a high amount for the 19-year-old, if it can guarantee a ‘stable replacement’ for Salah.
Along with Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City have also been linked with Diomande. This could open the floor to a huge tug of war between the Premier League heavyweights, who are all interested in bolstering their options out wide.
Salah played the majority of Liverpool’s win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, suggesting any animosity between him and manager Arne Slot has been squashed ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. However, whether Liverpool will still listen to offers for him in 2026 or not remains to be seen.
Who will sign Yan Diomande in 2026?
“I have time and I’m young,” Diomande told transfermarkt.de. “But, I’m also impatient because I want to be among the best. I also need to work on my dribbling, my passing, and my defense, as well as improve my teamwork.
“I went to the USA to study and play football. I tried out for a few [MLS] teams like the Colorado Rapids and Charlotte FC, but it didn’t work out. I eventually realised that [the USA] wasn’t quite right for me. Football doesn’t have the same status there as basketball or American football. I was far away from my family and it was difficult to live alone.
“I had to learn to control my emotions. Now I’m more relaxed and can cope better with being far away from home. That helps me here at RB Leipzig.”
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