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Arsenal transfer news## Yan Diomande has clarified his preferred position ahead of move to Real Madrid giving Arsenal hope with their pursuit of Vinicius Junior
14:10, 27 Jul 2026
Arsenal have been given hope that Real Madrid’s latest transfer commitment will help in their desire to sign Vinicius Junior. football.london understands the club are willing to fund a move for the Brazilian winger, but still his future with the Spanish club must be confirmed first.
Los Blancos have seen two offers for Yan Diomande rejected by RB Leipzig; however, reports suggest that an agreement is expected to be found between all parties. football.london reported that Arsenal themselves had made an enquiry for the Ivorian, but nothing extended beyond that, with the 19-year-old now expected to join the Spanish capital club.
Many have posited whether this means that Diomande will take the left wing slot. However, others suggest, like he has for RB Leipzig, will play on the right.
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However, there are some interesting quotes from the winger which suggest clearly which side is his preferred role.Gazetta dello Sport have the words of the 19-year-old claiming that he is indeed a left winger by design.
"It's my favourite position, the one I love,” he said. “I don't like the right, but I play there.”
He doubled down on this in an interview with the Men in Blazers podcast. He said when asked about, ironically, facing Vini Jr, he said: “I was scared because I played against Vinicius, I remember.
“I was playing on the right side before. I didn’t like to play there and the coach put me on the right side. After I went to the other side, then I enjoyed playing football.”
It’s clear the player’s preference is indeed to feature on the left, where he himself says he enjoys himself most. With some conflict already with Kylian Mbappe, where their spaces often overlap, perhaps this move starts to make Vini Jr consider whether a move to the Premier League champions is the best thing for him.
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A big week lies ahead with Brazil’s players expected to return from their holidays. Vini Jr is anticipated to meet with Real Madrid officials, where his future will be discussed.
Real Madrid, unlike other clubs, have no problem putting out public statements about both their own and other players in regards to transfers. Perhaps before too long, we will see one about the Arsenal dream target, but the longer the saga goes on without much noise from the Spanish capital, the more intrigue grows in where this saga is going.
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