RB Leipzig have confirmed that Yan Diomande was left out of their pre-season training camp squad because of illness. The Ivory Coast international missed Saturday's friendly, in which Leipzig beat SC Verl 4-0, and head coach Martin Demichelis was asked by Sky Germany about his absence.
“I know it's a big topic. Yan is genuinely ill,” Demichelis told reporters. “We'll see. I haven't spoken with the doctor yet.“If he's healthy, he has to come with us. If he's ill, then he's ill."
Leipzig later announced their squad for the training trip to Austria and confirmed that Diomande had not recovered in time to travel. “Yan Diomande will also not travel to Saalfelden due to an infection,” a club statement read. “As soon as he has recovered, he will follow.” Antonio Nusa was also left out, while goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is “currently in talks with another club and therefore will not join the training camp”.
Real Madrid pushing to complete transfer
Diomande's absence comes amid intense speculation over his future, with Real Madrid seeking an agreement with Leipzig for a big-money summer transfer. Two offers have reportedly been rejected, with the German club said to be holding out for a fee closer to €130m (£111m).
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the clubs remain in negotiations, and Real Madrid are pushing to finalise the deal over the weekend.
Arsenal monitoring Vinicius Junior situation
Arsenal had previously been linked with Diomande before Real Madrid moved ahead, but they are watching developments closely as any deal could have an impact on their own transfer plans. The Gunners are interested in signing Vinicius Junior from the LaLiga giants, and Standard Sport understands the Brazilian has emerged as a key target as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.
It has been reported, however, that the likely arrival of Diomande at the Santiago Bernabeu will not affect Vinicius Junior's playing time under Jose Mourinho next season. With less than 12 months remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital, Vinicius is likely to be sold if an agreement cannot be reached to extend his deal, and Arsenal would be ready to pounce if the 26-year-old becomes available.
