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Real Madrid may still have a chance to pip Paris Saint-Germain to the signature of teenage prodigy Yan Diomandé, as new reports suggest an approach that could give Los Blancos the upper hand—while also cutting costs.
The 19-year-old Diomandé has already attracted considerable transfer attention this summer, with Premier League heavyweights Liverpool also having had a bid turned down.
Leipzig are reportedly demanding up to €130 million ($150 million) for the winger, who netted 12 goals and registered eight assists in the Bundesliga in 2025–26, earning the league's Rookie of the Season award in the process.
The young star further cemented his growing reputation at this summer's 2026 World Cup, catching the eye with his energy and flair as Côte d'Ivoire advanced to the knockout rounds.
Amid the swirling speculation surrounding his future, Diomandé has reportedly identified back-to-back European champions PSG as his preferred destination.
How Real Madrid Can Win Race for Diomandé
French outlet RMC Sport reports that Diomandé has "given his word" to PSG. However, the French champions have so far been reluctant to match Leipzig's steep valuation.
This opens the door for Real Madrid, who remain confident in their pursuit despite having an initial offer of €100 million ($114 million), including add-ons, rejected by Leipzig.
The report indicates that Madrid are exploring the idea of persuading Leipzig to lower their lofty asking price by proposing a deferred transfer.
The Bundesliga club have consistently expressed their wish to hold onto Diomandé for as long as possible, and agreeing a deal for next summer could represent a compromise that works for everyone: Leipzig retain their standout player for another season, Real Madrid negotiate a reduced fee, and Diomandé still secures his coveted big move.
What Would Diomande Deal Mean for Vinícius Jr?
As Real Madrid pursue one superstar, another appears to be inching toward the exit, with Vinícius Jr being linked with Premier League champions Arsenal.
Despite both players being dynamic, top-tier wide attackers, there is little to suggest that a move for Diomandé would be directly tied to Vinícius Jr's potential departure. Notably, the two players share the same agency: Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports.
While Diomandé is a versatile player, he predominantly operates from the right wing, whereas Vinícius prefers the left, and Madrid's ideal scenario would be to have both players at their disposal in the years ahead.
Club president Florentino Pérez has publicly stated that he "would love" Madrid's No.7 to remain at the club "for the rest of his life," while also hinting at the prospect of further Galáctico-style acquisitions during his re-election campaign.
The complication lies in Vinícius' contract, which is now entering its final year. If fresh terms cannot be agreed upon before January, Vinícius will be free to hold talks with other clubs ahead of a potential free transfer next summer.
Vinícius himself has consistently stated publicly that he wishes to remain in Madrid, telling reporters back in April: "I hope I can stay for a long time ... And we'll continue together for many years."
To date, there has been little progress on a new contract, with the two sides reportedly far apart on wage expectations. The recent wave of transfer speculation may be the catalyst needed to push Madrid into action. That said, should the contract standoff persist, Madrid could potentially use Diomandé as evidence that the club will move forward regardless of Vinícius' situation—even if the Ivorian is not a direct like-for-like replacement.