Arsenal have now made approach for £70m ace also wanted by Newcastle

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Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande.

According to Portuguese publication O Jogo (16/11/2023, page 16), Arsenal have made an approach to sign Ousmane Diomande.

The 19-year-old centre-back has a release clause worth €80 million – equivalent to around £70 million – though it remains to be seen if the Portuguese club would be willing to let Diomande go for a lower fee than that.

Even if Sporting were open to a lower offer, the Gunners could find themselves in a bidding war for the teenage sensation, as Newcastle United are also keen on bringing him to the Premier League, as reported by The Sun. 

It seems unlikely that Arsenal will get a deal done for Diomande in the upcoming January transfer window. The Gunners have other areas of their squad in more pressing need of reinforcements. What’s more, given how heavily the north London club spent in the summer, Mikel Arteta will only have access to a very limited transfer budget in the winter window. 

Why Ousmane Diomande would be a good buy for Arsenal

That being said, Diomande would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. The once-capped Ivory Coast international is already an integral player for Sporting, and has started every league game for them so far this season. Playing with a maturity far beyond his years, and possessing excellent technical ability, Diomande may well be a future star.

A natural right-footer, and with a powerful 6’3” frame, Diomande would provide natural back up and competition for William Saliba. Such a player is needed, as Arsenal are far too reliant on the Frenchman being fit and available for every match at present. 

Losing Saliba to injury late last season sparked the collapse of Arsenal’s Premier League title push. Having a player like Diomande at his disposal would help Arteta to cope without Saliba.