Real Madrid agree club-record deal for Yan Diomande, Vinícius contract talks continue
Real Madrid Secures Diomande in Club-Record Deal
Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Yan Diomande. The deal is valued at €135m (£115.7m), making it a club-record fee for the Spanish side. This figure is understood to include an initial payment of €125m plus an additional €10m in add-ons. This transfer fee would surpass the amount Real Madrid paid for Jude Bellingham in 2023, which was believed to be up to €134m including add-ons.
The 19-year-old winger, who joined the German club from Leganés last summer, made an impression for Côte d’Ivoire during the World Cup. Following weeks of negotiations, which saw Paris Saint-Germain withdraw from contention, the agreement was finalized on Wednesday afternoon. Leganés is entitled to a 5% sell-on fee from the transfer. Diomande had previously made 10 appearances for Leganés’ first team before his move to Leipzig for €20m (£17.4m).
Diomande is expected to sign a contract with Real Madrid until 2031. His transfer is set to make him the most expensive African player in history, exceeding the £72m spent by Arsenal on Nicolas Pépé in 2019.
Vinícius Júnior Contract Negotiations Ongoing
The impending arrival of Diomande is not expected to influence the situation regarding Vinícius Júnior’s future at the club. The Brazilian forward and his representatives, Roc Nation, held discussions with Real Madrid officials on Wednesday concerning a contract extension. Arsenal is reportedly monitoring the situation should Vinícius decide to leave.
Despite some reports suggesting that Vinícius had rejected Real Madrid’s most recent contract offer, it is understood that he is currently considering an improved deal. This new offer is said to be closer to the €30m per season that was initially requested, following what sources in Spain have described as positive talks. Vinícius had previously stated on Tuesday that Real Madrid’s new manager, José Mourinho, wants him to be “happy, cheerful and playing my football” after his return to pre-season training after the World Cup.
Arsenal, who have reportedly agreed a £75m deal to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle, are believed to be looking into other attacking options if Vinícius chooses to renew his contract with Real Madrid. Mikel Arteta’s side is understood to be prepared to offer more than £100m for the 26-year-old, who has less than a year remaining on his current contract.
Other Transfer Speculations
In other transfer news, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, held talks with Atlético Madrid on Wednesday regarding Julián Alvarez, aiming to secure a deal for the Argentina forward. Arsenal is also reportedly hoping to persuade the 26-year-old to join them.
Arsenal had previously missed out on Morgan Rogers last month when the England forward joined Chelsea for a British record fee of £117m. The club has also been linked with PSG’s Bradley Barcola, who is also a target for Liverpool and is valued at approximately £145m by the European champions.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is exploring a potential move for 18-year-old Paris St-Germain and Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri, 24. Liverpool has also been linked with Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, 23, after the Spanish international was informed he could leave the La Liga club this summer.
Fulham is reportedly nearing the signing of Southampton and Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles, 22, who is valued at £30m. Trabzonspor is working to reunite Uruguay and Al-Hilal forward Darwin Nunez, 27, with his former Liverpool team-mate, Egyptian 34-year-old forward Mohamed Salah, at the Turkish club. Aston Villa is preparing for a new bid from Arsenal for England defender Ezri Konsa, 28, while attempting to agree a new contract to keep him at Villa Park. Real Madrid could make French midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, and Eduardo Camavinga, 23, available to free up funds for the potential signing of 30-year-old Spain midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. Hamburg is interested in bringing Belgian Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, 27, back to the Bundesliga.
Source: theguardian.com
