Barcelona Could Derail Real Madrid's Diomande Deal by Targeting Asllani

Barcelona might just have the chance to throw a wrench into Real Madrid's plans for Yan Diomande - by hijacking the very player RB Leipzig hoped would replace the Ivorian. Real Madrid are closing in on Diomande after a stunning turnaround in the transfer window. The Ivory Coast international had been widely expected to join PSG, but when the French champions couldn't meet Leipzig's demands, Los Blancos swooped in. After two rejected bids, a third offer in the region of €120 million is expected to seal the deal. Diomande has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and has been undergoing routine fitness tests in Leipzig, though the final green light from the Bundesliga club could come at any moment. The question is what Leipzig will do with the money. They have been working on signing Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, who had a breakout season in the Bundesliga and carries an affordable release clause below €30 million. Personal terms between Asllani and Leipzig are broadly agreed, yet the move hasn't been completed. Why? Because Asllani is waiting for Barcelona. The Kosovo international is a boyhood fan of the Catalan club and has been on their radar for months. With Barcelona needing a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski and struggling to finalize a deal for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, Asllani has become a real option. The 23-year-old is holding off on giving Leipzig the final go-ahead, hoping Barcelona will step in. If Barça make their move, Leipzig could find themselves without a replacement for Diomande - potentially complicating their willingness to sell. By signing Asllani, Barcelona may not block Diomande's move to Real Madrid outright, but they could make it much harder for their arch-rivals to complete the deal.