Real Madrid in transfer hijack for Arsenal target with talks advancing after £85.4million rejected bid

Real Madrid have had a £85.4million bid for Yan Diomande rejected by RB Leipzig – but talks are advancing to sign the winger, talkSPORT understands.

The Ivory Coast World Cup star has been attracting interest from a number of big hitters, with Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination.

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Diomande has agreed a five-year deal to join the European champions, but PSG and Leipzig have so far failed to reach an agreement.

And it now appears Real Madrid have now gained the upper hand for the winger, who are set to put in an improved offer.

It is believed their first bid was an initial £76.9m plus £8.5m in potential add-ons, with talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs revealing the Spanish giants plan to bid again for him, and are confident of agreeing a deal.

talkSPORT also revealed earlier this week that Arsenal had made an enquiry to Leipzig about the 19-year-old.

The Gunners’ approach was only believed to be exploratory at this stage for the youngster, who Liverpool are understood to have tabled a £69m plus £17.3m offer for him in June.

Huge asking price

After Real Madrid prepare to step up their pursuit of Diomande, his other suitors might be alarmed to discover his asking price.

talkSPORT understands that Leipzig want around €130m (£111m) for their teenage sensation.

The Bundesliga outfit are said to have pointed out that Real have already promised a €150m (£130m) superstar signing this summer.

Club president Florentino Perez has been active in the transfer market so far, already securing the singings of Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella.

And while they remain keen to add to Jose Mourinho‘s squad, the Spanish giants’ marquee signing could well be Rodri.

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Los Blancos are reportedly working on a deal to sign the Manchester City star, who is keen to join them, and has just a year left on his Etihad contract.

Real bidding war on the cards?

With Real showing no limit to their spending so far, they now look set to rival PSG for Diomande’s signature.

The Ivorian joined Leipzig from Spanish side Leganes last summer, and is under contract until 2030.

PSG emerged as favourites to sign Diomande, which prompted Liverpool to walk away from their interest in him, but this could in turn push Bradley Barcola in the direction of Merseyside.

Barcola is looking for a move away from the French champions this summer, while the Reds are keen to strengthen out wide.

And with PSG needing to replace the seemingly exit-bound France international, this could make them keen to step up their pursuit of Diomande.

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However, the French side have not yet shown a willingness to offer a level of fee that would convince Leipzig to consider a sale.

Diomande in the rough

It isn’t hard to see why Diomande is drawing plenty of interest, who has made his mark both in the Bundesliga, and on the world stage.

In his debut season in Germany, the wideman chipped in with 13 goals and ten assists in 36 matches for Leipzig.

He then showcased some of his potential for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, chipping in with an assist during his national team’s run to the round of 32, where they were knocked out by Norway.