Viktor Gyökeres against Gabriel Magalhae
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, according to Portuguese outletA Bola. The Gunners are reportedly keeping a close eye on the Ivorian defender and could make a formal proposal “in the coming days.”
Despite already boasting strong defensive options with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães as the preferred pairing and Jakub Kiwior serving as their primary backup, Arsenal continue to be associated with potential reinforcements at the back. Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and the currently injured Takehiro Tomiyasu also provide cover in central defence, yet the London club remain attentive to Diomande’s situation.
Sporting CP are said to value the 21-year-old at around £51 million, despite his £67 million release clause. That price was reportedly communicated during recent inquiries from Crystal Palace, and other European heavyweights including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are also closely monitoring the defender.
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Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Diomande, having first shown intent to sign him from Danish side Midtjylland in January 2023. However, Sporting CP secured his services for an initial fee of £6.3 million before the Gunners could make a move. Since then, Arsenal have continued to be linked, though no formal bid has ever materialised.
Arsenal - Ousmane Diomande
Arsenal target Ousmane Diomande (Image credit: Getty Images)
Diomande has shown promise with his performances in Portugal. Known for his composure on the ball, he recorded an impressive 94% passing accuracy last season and won 65% of his aerial duels. He also averaged 5.1 ball recoveries and 2.6 clearances per game, underlining his potential as a reliable modern-day centre-back.
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However, the Ivorian remains a work in progress. His decision-making has come under scrutiny, having conceded four penalties and received two red cards in the previous campaign. While his talent is evident, questions remain over whether he has matured enough to warrant a move to a top Premier League club.
Given Arsenal’s current depth in central defence, any potential move for Diomande could hinge on the departure of a current squad member like Kiwior. There is also growing belief that the renewed Arsenal links may be agent-driven, possibly aimed at accelerating negotiations with other interested clubs such as Bayern Munich, who previously explored a deal in the January window.
For now, while the Gunners remain admirers of Diomande, a concrete move appears uncertain, unless changes occur within Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup.
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