Real Madrid agree record Yan Diomandé deal and move on Vinícius

Real Madrid have agreed a club-record deal with RB Leipzig for Yan Diomandé, while the Spanish club are also pushing to secure Vinícius Júnior’s future with an improved contract offer.

Diomandé set for record-breaking move

Madrid have struck an agreement worth €135m (£115.7m) for the 19-year-old forward after weeks of negotiations. The package is understood to include an initial €125m plus a further €10m in add-ons.

The fee would make Diomandé the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history, moving beyond the package that brought Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. It would also make the Côte d’Ivoire international the most expensive African player ever.

Paris Saint-Germain had been involved earlier in the process but withdrew before the deal was completed. Diomandé, who joined Leipzig from Leganés last summer, is expected to sign a contract running until 2031.

Rapid rise from Leganés to the Bernabéu

Diomandé’s rise has been swift. He made only 10 first-team appearances for Leganés before moving to Leipzig for €20m (£17.4m). Leganés are now due a 5% sell-on fee from the transfer.

His profile has grown significantly since then, helped by his performances for Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup. He was pictured arriving at Leipzig’s pre-season training camp in Austria on Wednesday, shortly before the agreement with Madrid was finalised.

• Fee agreed: €135m (£115.7m)
• Initial payment: €125m
• Add-ons: €10m
• Expected contract: until 2031

Vinícius talks remain positive

Madrid’s move for Diomandé is not thought to affect the situation surrounding Vinícius. The Brazil forward and his representatives, Roc Nation, held talks with club officials on Wednesday over a contract extension.

Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely and are understood to be prepared to pay more than £100m for the 26-year-old, who has less than a year remaining on his current deal. Despite reports that Vinícius had turned down Madrid’s latest proposal, the latest discussions have been described as positive, with the player now considering an improved offer closer to the €30m per season he had requested.

Vinícius also said this week that Madrid’s new manager, José Mourinho, wants him to be happy and playing his football after his return to pre-season training following the World Cup.

Arsenal weighing alternatives

If Vinícius chooses to stay in Madrid, Arsenal are expected to continue exploring other attacking options. The north London club have already agreed a £75m deal for Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle, while they are also linked with other forwards in the market.

For Madrid, however, the immediate picture is clear: a record investment in one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards, and continued confidence that Vinícius can still be persuaded to remain at the club.