Paris Saint-Germain have launched an attack on Real Madrid in fresh comments regarding their former transfer target, Yan Diomande. PSG announced on Sunday that they're no longer interested in the 19-year-old, who RB Leipzig will demand at least £100million for after turning down an £85m bid from Real last week.
PSG's criticism of Real Madrid
But the French and European champions haven't stopped there. On Monday, PSG claimed via French newspaper L'Equipe that the 'crazy money' which Real could end up paying for the Ivory Coast international 'shows where they are right now'.
The club said: "They were asking for crazy money for a player who has potential but was playing in the Spanish second division one year ago. We won't break the bank because a club arrived with fireworks."
Sticking the knife in, PSG added: "This shows where Real Madrid are right now."
Diomande's rise and potential impact
Diomande moved to Leipzig from Spanish second-tier side Leganes last summer and enjoyed a superb season in Germany. The winger won the Bundesliga's young player of the season award for 2025-26, having scored 12 goals and provided eight assists.
The inter-club drama comes after PSG stated that they would 'not break its principals' by bending to Leipzig's demands. "The asking transfer fee and salary demands were completely disproportionate and distortive - and PSG will not break its principles of rational financial management and squad balance," the Ligue 1 side said.
"As a two-time consecutive Champions League winner and the most successful club in recent years, PSG will also not engage in the inflationary and manipulative games of certain player agents - and will instead calmly and confidently continue its transfer planning."
Vinicius Junior's uncertain future
Diomande was also a target for Liverpool, but it appears that Real are the clear frontrunners. His arrival could have a knock-on effect for the future of Vinicius Junior.
Arsenal are keen on Vinicius, who's entered the final year of his £400,000-a-week contract with Real, who will be due to pay him a significant loyalty bonus if he stays put for the 2026-27 season. The Brazilian didn't return to training on Monday as previously planned amid growing uncertainty over his future.
Should Real decided to sell him, Arsenal are prepared to hand him a lucrative deal that would increase his salary. New Real manager Jose Mourinho, however, doesn't want to lose Vinicius just weeks into his second spell in the Bernabeu dugout.
