Luis Diaz has decided to remain at Bayern Munich, ruling out a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal and potentially clearing the way for Liverpool to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
The Colombian, who joined Bayern from Liverpool last summer for £66 million, scored 26 goals and provided 23 assists in 51 appearances in his first season. French outlet L'Equipe reported that Al-Hilal planned an initial offer of at least €70 million (£60m) for Diaz, but Sky Germany reports that Diaz has told Bayern he wishes to stay.
As a result, the German champions are not willing to negotiate with any club over a transfer and have not set an asking price. Diaz has three years remaining on his contract.
Impact on Barcola Transfer
With Diaz's future settled, Bayern's interest in Barcola is expected to end. The PSG winger is Andoni Iraola's top target to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. According to the ECHO, Liverpool have yet to open formal talks with PSG, with a deal expected to cost over £100 million.
Arsenal, also linked with Barcola, are reportedly prioritizing a move for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. This could leave Liverpool with a free run at the Frenchman.
PSG Drop Out of Diomande Race
PSG may have been more open to selling Barcola amid their interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, but they have since withdrawn. The club released a statement confirming they have dropped out of the race for the Ivory Coast international.
"PSG has this evening officially withdrawn its interest and its bids for Yan Diomande," the statement read. "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."
"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."
