Arsenal is set to challenge Manchester United for the signature of highly-rated defender Ousmane Diomande, a player known to be a favorite of Ruben Amorim.
With Amorim’s anticipated arrival at United, ideas are being discussed on how he might bolster the squad, and it seems Diomande is a name high on the list. However, United is not the only top club showing interest in the Sporting CP centre-back.
According to reports from TBRFootball, Arsenal has been actively scouting Diomande and even made initial contact regarding his availability. This comes amid competition from Chelsea, who have also kept a close eye on him, while Liverpool and Newcastle are known admirers as well. Even Tottenham, who recently signed Radu Dragusin, had previously been monitoring Diomande’s progress.
It’s not just the Premier League clubs that are in the race. Record has reported that Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich have all approached Sporting CP for the talented defender. While these initial moves were rejected, United will need to stay alert as the competition for Diomande’s signature intensifies, particularly given Arsenal’s growing interest.
Diomande is rumored to be one of Amorim’s key targets, along with Sporting teammates Goncalo Inacio and Viktor Gyokeres. The new United boss reportedly aims to build his team starting from a solid defensive base, which fits well with his preference for a 3-4-3 formation. Diomande and Inacio are likely to be among his first picks if deals can be struck.
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However, Amorim has assured Sporting that he won’t pursue their players in the January transfer window. This opens up a window of opportunity for other interested clubs to move for Diomande, who has an £67.1 million (€80 million/$87.2 million) release clause. Arsenal, with their history of securing promising talent, may see this as a prime chance to reinforce their defensive options.
In other Arsenal transfer news, the Gunners are reportedly considering a bold move for PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani. With the French club ready to part ways with the forward, a loan move in January could be on the cards. Additionally, there’s speculation about Jakub Kiwior potentially moving to Sevilla as the Spanish club looks to replace Loic Bade, who is being targeted by both Liverpool and Newcastle.
Arsenal is also focused on securing the future of young talent Ethan Nwaneri, with reports from TEAMtalk indicating that renewal talks are underway after his impressive start in the first team. Meanwhile, sporting director Edu’s impending departure has prompted Arsenal to look for a successor, with Tim Steidten of West Ham identified as a potential candidate.
Should Diomande join Arsenal, he would become only the third player to have worn the jerseys of both Arsenal and Sporting CP, joining Hector Bellerin, Joel Campbell, and Cedric Soares. Bellerin was particularly successful with the Gunners, securing three FA Cup wins during his tenure. Arsenal will hope that Diomande, if signed, will contribute to further silverware, potentially adding a Premier League title to the club’s recent ambitions.
The race for Diomande promises to be one to watch as Arsenal and United look to bolster their defenses and maintain momentum in their domestic and European campaigns.