Cameron Smith
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid
© IMAGO
Real Madrid have reportedly identified RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a key transfer target for 2026 if Vinicius Junior or Rodrygo depart the club this year.
The Ivory Coast international has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 20 appearances since his summer move to Leipzig and his form has attracted the attention of every elite club in Europe.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all understood to be keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old, while Bayern Munich have been tipped to pursue a deal too despite the recent arrival of Luis Diaz from Liverpool.
Real Madrid have also now registered their interest in completing a move for Diomande, with head scout Juni Calafat identifying him as a suitable target if Vinicius or Rodrygo opt to leave the Bernabeu this summer.
That is according to Spanish publication Defensa Central" href="https://defensacentral.com/fichajes/yan-diomande-19-anos-futbolista-leipzig-lleva-13-goles-17-asistencias-elegido-si-rodrygo-vinicius-se-marchan_330434_102.html" target="_blank">Defensa Central, who claim that Los Blancos will continue to monitor Diomande’s development for the remainder of the 2025-26 season ahead of a potential pursuit later this year.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side are expected to prioritise the addition of a new central midfielder and a new centre-back this summer, but bolstering their attack will be targeted in the event of a major departure.
However, widespread reports have confirmed that RB Leipzig will demand a fee in excess of €100 million to sell Diomande this summer, with the club desperate to retain the Ivorian for at least another season if possible" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/01/liverpool-transfer-news-yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-oliver-mintzlaff-summer-2026" target="_blank">with the club desperate to retain the Ivorian for at least another season if possible.
Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig
© IMAGO - Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig
Yan Diomande to Arsenal update
Arsenal have an embarrassment of riches in attack, however Mikel Arteta’s side have been tipped to dip back into the transfer market this summer amid interest in Diomande and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/01/arsenal-transfer-news-julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid-chelsea-150m" target="_blank">Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have both been linked with a 2026 exit, while Gabriel Jesus’ long-term future at the Emirates Stadium remains in doubt despite his desire to sign fresh terms at the club.
As a result, sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly scouring Europe for possible new signings, although Real Madrid’s interest in Diomande will come as a major blow in their bid for his signature.
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