Leipzig's firm stance on Diomande complicates Liverpool pursuit and Arsenal's Barcola hopes

RB Leipzig have made clear they have no intention of selling Yan Diomande this summer, dealing a significant blow to Liverpool’s pursuit of the teenager and indirectly complicating Arsenal’s hopes of signing PSG winger Bradley Barcola.

Leipzig chiefs are prepared to reject big-money offers for the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international, who finished the season with 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions and claimed the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Year award. Liverpool had placed Diomande near the top of their summer wish-list and were ready to compete with PSG for his signature, with the French club valuing him at around £85 million.

The Arsenal connection arises because PSG were reportedly willing to consider offers for Barcola — who has two years remaining on his contract at the Parc des Princes — only if they could first secure Diomande as a replacement. Leipzig’s refusal to sell therefore removes the trigger that might have freed Barcola for a move to the Emirates.

Complicating matters further is a legal dispute surrounding Diomande’s representation. The forward signed with Roc Nation Sports in February, but rival agency Maxidel — owned by former Leeds United winger Max Gradel — claims Diomande remains contractually bound to them, alleging they had already renewed terms before he switched representatives. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has registered a case and is investigating the matter, requiring Diomande’s compliance. That uncertainty is another reason Leipzig expect him to remain in Germany, particularly with a World Cup year ahead.

Leipzig are also working to extend a contract that already runs until 2030, and Diomande himself recently told Kicker magazine he expects to stay at the club next season. Crucially, his deal contains no release clause — he joined from CD Leganés last July for around £17.3 million.

The context is markedly different from last summer, when Leipzig sold Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United and Xavi Simons to Tottenham under financial pressure after missing out on European competition entirely. With Champions League football secured for next season, the club has far less incentive to cash in.

Manchester United had also registered interest in Diomande, though that has since cooled as the club prioritises a midfield rebuild. For Liverpool, the combination of Leipzig’s resolve, the legal uncertainty, and Diomande’s own public statements makes a summer move look increasingly unlikely.