Manchester United and Liverpool face £83m setback as RB Leipzig prioritize sale of Arsenal target over Yan Diomande

Liverpool and Man Utd face disappointment as RB Leipzig plan to keep Yan Diomande while potentially selling Castello Lukeba to Arsenal.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 12:41 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Leipzig Strategy Shifts Toward Retention

RB Leipzig appear determined to resist summer advances for their breakout star Yan Diomande, dealing a significant blow to the recruitment plans of Manchester United and Liverpool. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has become one of the most coveted young attackers in Europe after a prolific campaign featuring 11 goals and six assists in 33 appearances. Despite intense interest from the Premier League’s elite, the Saxony-based club is reportedly working "intensively" to secure Diomande’s immediate future, viewing him as a cornerstone of their squad for the upcoming season.

The Financial Barrier and Rising Price Tag

According to reports from Sky Germany, Diomande does not have a release clause in his current contract, which still has four years remaining. This puts RB Leipzig in a formidable negotiating position, with the club reportedly setting an initial valuation of €100 million (approximately £83 million). While the winger is not strictly "unsellable," the rising price tag and the absence of financial pressure to sell him specifically have cooled the hopes of suitors who expected a lower entry point. Leipzig are currently preparing a lucrative new contract offer to entice the teenager to stay.

Arsenal Target Lukeba as the Likely Sacrifice

The primary reason for Leipzig's reluctance to sell Diomande is their plan to generate funds through other high-value departures. All signs currently point to French defender Castello Lukeba being the player destined for a big-money move this summer. Lukeba, who is reportedly keen on joining a top European club, has attracted significant interest from Arsenal and is expected to command a fee between €65 million and €70 million. By cashing in on the Frenchman, Leipzig would satisfy their financial requirements, allowing them to keep their "attacking diamonds" for another year.