Diomande Deal Heating Up: Liverpool Make Summer Move for Leipzig Winger

Fresh from installing Andoni Iraola in the dugout following Arne Slot's departure, Liverpool are ramping up their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as they look to bolster their attacking options this summer.

The Merseyside club face a significant rebuild in the wide areas, with Mohamed Salah's exit looming and Cody Gakpo's recent performances falling short of expectations. Diomande has emerged as their primary target to fill that void, despite competition from European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

According to reports, the 23-year-old Ivorian has made his preference clear—he wants to join Liverpool rather than PSG. The Athletic's David Ornstein revealed last Monday that the Reds have already established contact with the German club and currently hold the strongest negotiating position, though RB Leipzig are determined to keep their prized asset.

The Leipzig hierarchy are demanding a substantial fee to part with Diomande. Ornstein reported that any bid would need to exceed €130 million (£112.4m) to tempt the Bundesliga outfit into a sale. Other sources suggest the German club's asking price sits above £90 million.

The momentum appears to be building in Liverpool's favour. Wilson Cox has indicated that a formal offer is pencilled in for submission this week, with the player understood to be receptive to the prospect of moving to Anfield. Diomande is regarded as a highly-rated talent, and Liverpool are signalling their willingness to meet Leipzig's financial demands.

The race isn't entirely settled, however. PSG initially showed interest but have since cooled their pursuit as they turn their attentions towards Maghnes Akliouche. That shift has handed Liverpool a clearer path to the winger's signature, though sources caution that nothing is guaranteed just yet.

The expectation among observers is growing that Diomande will end up at Liverpool, but the Reds are working at pace to get a deal over the line before the World Cup break.