Arsenal are among the clubs to have informed RB Leipzig that they are prepared to pay a substantial fee for Yan Diomande should his proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapse this summer, according to reports. The 19-year-old winger is one of Europe's most coveted young talents, with Liverpool previously making him their top target to replace Mohamed Salah. The Reds saw an initial bid of £69m plus £17m in add-ons rejected for the Ivory Coast international and were intent on securing him as their first major signing of the summer. However, those hopes appeared dashed after it emerged last month that Diomande had agreed personal terms with PSG.
PSG move stalls as rivals circle
PSG are yet to make an official offer for Diomande, and the lack of progress has prompted a string of clubs to signal their intent to pay a €100m (£86m) transfer fee. Bild reports that Arsenal are among those teams that have told Leipzig they are ready to make their bid. Left wing is an area Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen this summer, having already offloaded Leandro Trossard. Manchester City and Real Madrid are the other two clubs prepared to pay that huge fee to sign Diomande.
Leipzig holding out for £102m
RB Leipzig are believed to be holding out for €120m (£102m) for their prized asset. The German newspaper reports that Diomande's entourage, including talent agency Roc Nation, are now putting pressure on PSG, eager for the club to accelerate talks and move the transfer forward, with the French capital being the player's preferred destination. His representatives are aware of the growing risks of rival clubs moving in while no fee has been agreed.
Diomande's PSG admiration
Speaking during Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign, Diomande said: 'Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was little. My father is a Paris Saint-Germain supporter, it's a team I admire as a football fan.'
Arsenal close to signing Christos Tzolis
Arsenal are also closing in on a deal for another wideman, Christos Tzolis, who will join from Club Brugge for a fee of £34m. The Greek winger will undergo a medical this week.
