Liverpool are exploring the possibility of a deal involving Cody Gakpo as part of a bid to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande this summer, according to reports. The potential move comes as Liverpool seek to fill the void left by Mo Salah's departure and have identified the 19-year-old Diomande as a prime target.
Diomande enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 season with Leipzig, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists, establishing himself as a player Liverpool view as a long-term successor to Salah. However, Leipzig are reportedly demanding a fee of £120million for the player, prompting Liverpool to consider alternative strategies to lower the cost. Discussions between the clubs are ongoing, with Gakpo emerging as a potential makeweight in the negotiations.
While Liverpool are not actively seeking to sell Gakpo, the club is understood to be open to offers for the Dutch international. The 27-year-old endured a challenging campaign and faces increased competition for a starting role following the emergence of 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha. Sources indicate Gakpo is unhappy with the prospect of being behind the teenager in the pecking order and has begun exploring alternative opportunities.
Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, AC Milan, and Atletico Madrid have all been alerted to Gakpo’s potential availability, as have Turkish clubs Besiktas and Fenerbahce. Leipzig have also been informed of Gakpo's situation, potentially setting the stage for a direct swap deal. Liverpool would still need to include a transfer fee alongside Gakpo to secure Diomande’s services.
Separately, Federico Chiesa has informed new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola that he is prepared to leave Anfield if he does not receive increased playing time. The 28-year-old, who joined from Juventus in 2024, has struggled to establish himself in the team and has voiced his desire for more consistent minutes. He was previously a target for Juventus in January and may attract renewed interest from his former club. Inter Milan have also publicly expressed interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, with director Piero Ausilio confirming the Nerazzurri are following the player’s situation.
