Arsenal have stepped up their summer transfer planning with a senior scout attending the Lisbon derby at Estádio da Luz to monitor Ousmane Diomande, Francisco Trincão and Viktor Gyökeres, according to Record.
Front page of Portuguese sports newspaper Record, dated 13 May 2025. The headline reads "Arsenal ataca Leões" ("Arsenal attack the Lions") in large white and yellow block letters, referencing Arsenal's scouting of Sporting CP players. Below the headline are images of Viktor Gyökeres, Francisco Trincão, and Ousmane Diomande in Sporting's green and black home kit, suggesting all three are under close observation. The top-left corner has a green box with the text “Gyökeres, Trincão e Diomande na mira” ("in the crosshairs"). Other smaller headlines cover topics including Morita’s injury scare, Nuno Magalhães’ comments on Schjelderup, Florentino’s potential move to Italy, and Martínez’s rising profile.
Front page of Portuguese sports newspaper Record, dated 13 May 2025. The headline reads “Arsenal ataca Leões” (“Arsenal attack the Lions”)
They write that the scout was dispatched under the direct instruction of James Ellis, Arsenal’s head of scouting. They add that Ellis rarely authorises live scouting trips unless a deal has moved beyond initial stages, with footage and data typically relied upon until late in the process.
This visit, then, seems to signal an advanced level of interest in all three Sporting CP players, pending final approval from Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
Interior spread from Portuguese newspaper Record, dated 13 May 2025, featuring the headline “Arsenal prepara a pólvora” (“Arsenal prepares the gunpowder”) in large yellow and white text. The article discusses Arsenal’s scouting of Sporting CP players Francisco Trincão, Viktor Gyökeres, and Ousmane Diomande, shown prominently in their green and black kits applauding the fans. The subhead notes Arsenal only sends scouts for advanced transfer targets. The article includes details about Gyökeres’ 38 goals this season, Diomande’s development, and Trincão’s contract status. Boxes highlight player stats and profiles. The tone suggests serious interest from Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.
Interior spread from Portuguese newspaper Record, dated 13 May 2025, featuring the headline “Arsenal prepara a pólvora” (“Arsenal prepares the gunp…
Top of the list remains Viktor Gyökeres, who continues to dominate the scoring charts in Portugal with 38 goals in 33 league appearances. The Swedish forward also leads the race for the European Golden Shoe, currently sitting on 57 points.
Arsenal have been following him closely since pre-season, notably beginning video analysis after the Troféu Cinco Violinos.
Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and Rio Ave FC at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 9, 2024.(Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images
Gyökeres has a €100 million release clause but Sporting are believed to be open to offers beneath that figure, particularly from Premier League clubs. A formal approach is now expected after the Portuguese Cup final. There was a report that Arsenal have already submitted a bid, but it seems like that might be slightly premature.
Ousmane Diomande, meanwhile, has been a target since breaking into Sporting’s first team at 19 and earning his debut for the Ivorian national side. With Sebastián Coates returning to Uruguay, Diomande has emerged as the defensive leader at the back for Sporting, reaching his 100th appearance for the club in the derby.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 5: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP in action during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park on August 5, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
His contract runs until 2027 and includes an €80 million release clause, with Juventus, Newcastle and Chelsea also interested. Diomande has spoken openly of his ambition to play in the Premier League, which puts Arsenal in a strong position if they decide to finally formalise their interest.
Francisco Trincão, who had a previous spell in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers, has quietly rebuilt his form and reputation. Now 25, the winger has improved significantly since his loan from Barcelona, accepting reduced wages to stay at Sporting.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 23: Francisco Trincao of Portugal celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Portugal and Denmark at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 23, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Reports suggest offers from England now include personal terms of €3 million net per season, double his current salary. Sporting are keen to retain him and have started working on a contract extension that would include the No. 10 shirt. Whether that is enough to hold off renewed Premier League interest remains to be seen but Arsenal were said to have made an informal approach two weeks ago.
What unites all three players is Arsenal’s long-standing interest and the methodical pace of their recruitment process. With a striker, a centre-back and an attacking wide option on the list, the club’s presence at one of Portugal’s biggest fixtures strongly suggests preparations are well underway for a busy summer.
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