Manchester City ‘Obsessed’ With Yan Diomande as Guardiola Prepares to Break £100M Transfer Record

Manchester City is prepared to break their £100m transfer record to sign RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, hijacking interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 8:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Guardiola’s Next-Generation Masterplan

Manchester City has internally designated RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as their "priority" signing for the upcoming summer window. Reports from Sportsboom suggest that Pep Guardiola is personally "obsessed" with the 19-year-old, viewing him as the cornerstone of the club’s next attacking generation. As City navigates a transitional period, the hierarchy has reportedly made it clear that they are prepared to surpass the £100 million fee paid for Jack Grealish in 2021, a move that would set a new financial high-water mark for the Etihad club.

A Breakout Season in the Bundesliga

Diomande has enjoyed a meteoric rise this term, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most productive teenagers. The Ivory Coast international has recorded 17 goal involvements in 30 appearances across all competitions, including 11 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League. His ability to operate at pace while maintaining clinical finishing has made him the subject of intense scouting from the Premier League’s "Big Three," though Manchester City now appear to have seized the momentum in the race for his signature.

Hijacking the Arsenal and Liverpool Race

Until recently, Arsenal and Liverpool were considered the frontrunners for Diomande, with the Gunners reportedly holding a slight edge due to their tactical requirements on the wing. Liverpool’s interest was further fueled by Diomande’s own admission that playing at Anfield was his father’s "dream" due to his admiration for Steven Gerrard. However, Manchester City’s willingness to "blow the competition out of the water" financially has shifted the landscape. While Diomande previously stated his dream club remains Leipzig, he has privately signaled an openness to a Premier League challenge.