Yan Diomande is back at RB Leipzig and undergoing performance tests on Monday despite his future remaining up in the air.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international is reported to have agreed terms with Real Madrid but there remains no club-to-club agreement just yet.
Sky Germany claim an initial £85million bid has been rejected by Leipzig but a fresh offer today of £98m has seen talks resume. It is thought that if Madrid increase that to around £102m then Diomande would become a Real Madrid player.
That would represent a remarkable return for Leipzig who bought the winger from Leganes 12 months ago having met his release clause of £17m.
If he does move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Diomande would become the most expensive African player in history, surpassing the £72m Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
Diomande back in Germany as Madrid watch on
While the deal continues to advance slowly, Diomande was back in Germany today to be assessed following his exertions with Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
The teenager made four appearances in the United States, Canada and Mexico but largely underwhelmed as the Ivorians lost to Norway at the round of 32 stage.
Diomande’s potential move to Madrid could have a knock-on effect on the future of current star Vinicius Jr, who has been strongly linked with Arsenal in recent days.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has indicated that the Premier League champions have made enquiries over a move for the Brazilian, although talks are said to be at an early stage.
The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the Bernabeu after entering the final year of his contract, and Madrid’s move for Diomande – who like Vinicius is a left-winger – would suggest they are preparing for life without the two-time Champions League winner.
Arsenal are on the lookout for a new left-sided forward following Leandro Trossard’s departure, with the Gunners missing out on England international Morgan Rogers who moved to London rivals Chelsea from Aston Villa.
