Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have been handed a fatal transfer blow in the pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United are all in the market for a marquee winger signing before the end of the window with Mohamed Salah and Leandro Trossard moving on to new clubs, and Marcus Rashford potentially leaving Old Trafford.
There has been hot competition for Diomande, who only signed for RB Leipzig from Leganes 12 months ago. The forward plundered 25 goals and 11 assists last season, catching the attention of top Champions League clubs.
Real Madrid Agree Yan Diomande Deal
Yan Diomande vs GermanyThomas Mukoya via Reuters
Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday night that it is Real Madrid who have won the transfer race for Diomande, with a full agreement reached to sign the talented 19-year-old.
An exact fee is yet to be confirmed, but the deal is expected to be worth in excess of €100 million for the player, who cost just €20 million 12 months ago.
Diomande's price had already rocketed thanks to his season with Leipzig, but increased further thanks to an impressive World Cup campaign with the Ivory Coast. The nation reached the knockout stages for the first time in its history.
Liverpool had identified Diomande as their number one target to replace Mohamed Salah, while Arsenal made recent calls over a move having missed out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
The winger is set to become the fifth Real Madrid signing of the summer as the La Liga side prepares for a new season under the stewardship of returning boss Jose Mourinho.
Man Utd had been in 'pole position' for RB Leipzig star
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks onManchester United manager Michael Carrick via REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Real Madrid had emerged as frontrunners in recent days, but just earlier this month it was reported that Manchester United felt they were in pole position to sign the teenager. German outfit BILD believed that the Red Devils felt confident of snapping up the player, despite being aware of competition for the winger's signature.
Paris Saint-Germain had also been in the running to sign Diomande and the Real Madrid breakthrough will come as a blow on a day when Bradley Barcola has put an end to contract extension talks at the Parc des Princes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
It was expected that the arrival of Diomande at the Bernabeu could have a knock-on effect for Premier League transfer interest in Vinicius Jr, who could face competition for minutes. However, it's also emerged this weekend that the Brazilian is keen to stay and work under Mourinho.
Arsenal and Liverpool had both been linked with Vinicius Jr but may now have to look elsewhere in a summer window when wingers are commanding a premium in the market.
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