Arsenal reportedly made calls to Yan Diomande’s agents.
Interest in one of European football’s most coveted attacking talents took a fresh turn this week, with word emerging that a new Premier League suitor has entered the conversation just as a deal appeared to be edging towards its conclusion elsewhere.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that calls were made in the last few days to establish whether there was any possibility of gatecrashing a deal that had long looked destined for Merseyside.
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According to Romano, Arsenal reached out to representatives of Yan Diomande to gauge whether an opening still existed to enter the race for the Ivory Coast international, whose performances at RB Leipzig have made him one of the most sought after wingers on the continent.
The move comes as something of a surprise given how far Liverpool’s interest in the 19 year old had progressed.
The Reds had been widely reported as the most advanced suitors, with talks over personal terms understood to be well underway and a second bid prepared after an earlier proposal was knocked back by Leipzig, who have placed a valuation in the region of £100 million to £130 million on their prized asset.
Arsenal’s decision to make contact suggests the Gunners are unwilling to let Diomande slip away without at least testing the water, even at this advanced stage.
The north London club have been searching for reinforcements on the flanks all summer, with question marks continuing to hang over the long term futures of both Gabriel Martinelli.
Diomande has previously played down suggestions that Anfield represents his dream destination, telling Bild that Liverpool holds special significance mainly because it is his father’s favourite club rather than his own.
He has instead spoken warmly about his current situation in Germany, insisting he remains focused on Leipzig for now.
The winger has also revealed in the past that he turned down the chance to join Chelsea as a teenager, having held trials at Stamford Bridge before opting for a move to Spain with Leganes instead, a decision he later described as the right one for his development.
Whether Arsenal’s enquiry amounts to anything, especially after Aston Villa has reportedly agreed a deal with Chelsea for Morgan Rogers, remains to be seen.
Liverpool’s pursuit has looked the most serious and sustained of any club involved, and reports in recent days had even suggested the Reds were closing in following the completion of their move for Victor Munoz.
For now, Romano’s update simply confirms that Arsenal have not entirely ruled themselves out of the picture, even if catching Liverpool at this stage of proceedings would represent a considerable challenge.
Diomande’s camp will now have to weigh up a fresh conversation with the Gunners against what has looked for some time like an increasingly likely switch to Anfield.
Arsenal
Yan DIomande