Arsenal are the latest elite European club to join the race to sign Yan Diomande, after Liverpool’s rejected €100 million bid while the Reds are now focusing on signing Bradley Barcola.
For the second half of the 2025/26 season and the first month of the off-season, it appeared as though Liverpool were favourites to sign RB Leipzig superstar talent Diomande. The Ivorian wowed at the World Cup, hiking up Leipzig’s already steep valuation.
The Reds were not just interested; they bid around €100 million (£85.3m) for him but were sent packing by Leipzig. They have since distanced themselves from the transfer saga, turning their attention to Barcola. A report from TEAMtalk, however, claims Liverpool made a fresh approach for Diomande this week.
But Arsenal are now assessing a mega-money move to sign the 19-year-old after seemingly dropping out of the Barcola transfer fight.
According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are among the sides to have recently made an enquiry about Diomande.
Jacobs reports: “Arsenal made an enquiry for Yan Diomande, as reported yesterday on. Purely exploratory at this stage.
“PSG continue to work on a deal, while Leipzig hope Diomande signs a new contract and/or stays for at least an extra season. Diomande has made it clear he favours PSG (terms on a five-year contract are in place) as well as a right-sided role. Player equally capable of both sides, but favours more minutes on the right.”
Arsenal made an enquiry for Yan Diomande, as reported yesterday on @talkSPORT. Purely exploratory at this stage.
PSG continue to work on a deal, while Leipzig hope Diomande signs a new contract and/or stays for at least an extra season.
Diomande has made it clear he favours… pic.twitter.com/bz8R0ykniV
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 22, 2026
Barcola now Liverpool’s top target after Diomande disappointment
Liverpool were very serious about signing Diomande, but after the winger made it clear he wanted PSG instead, the Reds pivoted to Bradley Barcola, who is the better target in all honesty.
The latest Fabrizio Romano update on Barcola assures fans that Liverpool are still working to sign the French winger, even if more patience is required to see this marquee signing over the line.
Romano reports on X: “Understand Liverpool remain the club showing most concrete interest in Bradley Barcola.
“No truth in Barça links,LFC deal depends on conditions for the exit as price will be set by PSG. No talks over new contract so far.”
PSG, according to L’Equipe, want €150 million (£127m) to sell Barcola but, of course, Liverpool will do everything they can to work that price down to a more reasonable valuation.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.