Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Diomande-to-Real Madrid bomb, Chelsea set Alajbegovic price

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Football transfers specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided updates on several major stories, including the latest on Yan Diomande, Kerim Alajbegovic and Vozinha.

Real Madrid pushing to sign Diomande after first bid rejected

Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Yan Diomande but an opening offer worth €100m (£85.4m) has been rejected by RB Leipzig, according to Romano.

Diomande has become one of the most sought-after players in world football following a fabulous 2025-26 season with Bundesliga side Leipzig.

The 19-year-old has also been linked with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain after scoring 13 goals in 36 games for Leipzig last season.

The Athletic understands Diomande made PSG his preferred destination this summer, before Real made a bid.

Romano says Real offered a fixed fee of €90m (£76.8m) plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons for Diomande - a proposal Leipzig have since rejected.

In a new YouTube video, Romano said: “Real Madrid sent a bid in paper to Leipzig - €90m plus €10m, €100m euros.

“It’s not exactly the same as Liverpool’s [bid earlier in the summer] because the €10m offered by Real Madrid, as bonuses, add-ons, are quite easy to reach.

“Red Bull Leipzig, according to my information, said ‘no’, they want more than this to sell Diomande. Ideally, [for a package around] €120m (£102.5m), the deal could get done.

“Real Madrid are absolutely in the race to try to get the player, and to try to anticipate Paris Saint-Germain.”

Arsenal and Manchester City are also in contact for Diomande

Arsenal and Manchester City made enquiries for Diomande before Real saw their opening offer rejected by Leipzig, Romano added.

The Italian reporter claims the Premier League duo asked to be kept in the loop regarding the availability of the Ivory Coast international.

Romano said: “Let me remind you, on [this] channel last Friday, a week ago, I told you ‘watch out for Yan Diomande’ because some clubs have started calling for the Ivorian winger.

“Some clubs have started trying to understand if there is a chance to enter the deal because PSG are yet to close the move.

“The three clubs trying to enter the deal were Arsenal, because Arsenal made some calls to understand the situation [with Diomande]. Manchester City, Manchester City also made some calls to understand the situation. And Real Madrid, Real Madrid have entered [the race] very strongly.

“These two English clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City, were calling, asking ‘how is the situation, can we enter, how much is the price, what’s going on with the agents?’ So just trying to understand the situation in general.

“And then, Real Madrid arrived very big, arrived very strong [into the race]. Real Madrid said ‘okay, Paris Saint-Germain can’t reach an agreement with [Leipzig] but have an agreement with the player? [Okay], we go straight away to the club, Leipzig. And before any approaches to the player, [we'll] go all-in with an official bid'.”

Chelsea will not overpay to sign Leverkusen star Alajbegovic

Chelsea have not tabled a €40m (£34m) bid for Kerim Alajbegovic but they remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal, according to Romano.

The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the Blues are in pole position to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina winger ahead of Juventus.

However, Romano insists Chelsea are yet to agree personal terms with Alajbegovic, or a transfer fee with Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen.

“Some of you [are] asking me if reports from Germany mentioning [a] £34m bid from Chelsea are accurate,” Romano said.

“My understanding is that Chelsea are not spending £34m. Chelsea are discussing with Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea approached Bayer Leverkusen, but at the moment they are yet to agree personal terms and yet to agree on a fee with Leverkusen.

“They are talking, so there is a conversation ongoing, but [Chelsea are] yet to agree on all terms of this deal. Chelsea are negotiating, Chelsea like Alajbegovic, but Chelsea are not spending €40m on the boy.

“So [at the moment] the price [Chelsea are willing to pay] remains around €25m (£21.3m), €28m (£23.9m) [and] under; Chelsea will not overpay.”

Cape Verde hero Vozinha finds a new club after World Cup heroics

World Cup breakout star Vozinha is set to join Chilean side Colo-Colo on a free transfer, according to Romano.

The 40-year-old won hearts and minds this summer after playing a key role in underdogs Cape Verde reaching the World Cup knockout phase.

And now Vozinha is close to joining Colo-Colo having arrived at the World Cup as a free agent following his exit from Portuguese side Chaves.

“The deal for Vozinha to Colo-Colo is almost done, [both parties are] just waiting to sign the contracts over the weekend,” said Romano.

“Then from Monday the travel is scheduled to Chile for Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper.

“Everything is set, it’s a ‘here-we-go’, [I’m] just waiting for him to sign, so good luck to Vozinha who found a new club after a fantastic World Cup.”