Pete O’Rourke column: Arsenal and Newcastle United make moves to sign Diomande, surprise Liverpool plan revealed

Wed 3 January 2024 20:30, UK

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ARSENAL

The Gunners have been in touch with the family of Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP to try and set up a deal ahead of the summer window.

Interest in the 20-year-old centre-back is hotting up and he is set to become one of the most in-demand players in Europe this year.

I’m told Newcastle have also spoken to the player’s entourage and are firmly in the race for Diomande’s signature.

However, both clubs will find it hard to do a deal for the defender in January due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Diomande has a £70million release clause in his Sporting deal and the Liga Portugal leaders will demand that amount if they are to part with the Ivory Coast international.

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I’m told both Arsenal and Newcastle are looking at a potential summer swoop for the centre-back – with the Magpies ready to fill their void with a loan signing for now.

The January priority for Mikel Arteta’s side is a striker following their recent goalscoring problems.

Arteta wants a different profile of forward to current stars Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah and is keen to add a physical presence to his side.

But Ivan Toney of Brentford, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen are all unrealistic targets in the January window, I’m told.

Arsenal will need to be smart this month to bolster their goalscoring options.

CHELSEA

The Blues are also extremely interested in Sporting star Diomande, I’m told.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are even keen to structure a deal for the Ivorian this month in a bid to steal a march on their rivals.

However, sources say Sporting have no real intention of letting him leave mid-season as they challenge for the Portuguese title.

Sources say all three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle – could fight other sides from England and Europe for Diomande in the summer window.

The Blues want a new centre-back as Thiago Silva comes to the end of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

LIVERPOOL

The Reds have recalled Fabio Carvalho from an underwhelming loan with RB Leipzig.

Liverpool are keen to send the 21-year-old back out and get him regular first-team football – and Championship duo Leicester and Southampton have already registered their interest.

Both clubs play an attractive brand of football and the Merseysiders feel such a move would suit Carvalho and the club.

I’m told Liverpool have question marks about loaning him to a Premier League side amid fears over a lack of first-team action.

There will not be a buy option in any potential loan agreement.

Liverpool still have high hopes for Carvalho, I’m told, and they are in no rush to cash in on the midfielder without taking a look at him in regular action.

Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino is not enjoying his time at Saudi side Al-Ahli just months after leaving Anfield.

They will be open to letting him leave this month – but I’m told a return to the Premier League would be a huge surprise.

Sheffield United have been linked with a possible move for the 32-year-old, but sources say that is extremely unlikely.

Instead, Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq are an option for the ex-Liverpool man – who could join ex-teammates Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson in the Middle East.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

All signs point to defender Scott McKenna leaving the City Ground this year.

He has been frozen out by Forest and I’m told there will be no way back under Nuno Espirito Santo following a dispute with the club’s owners and his representatives.

McKenna has just six months left on his contract meaning this month could be their last chance to cash in on the Scotland international.

Celtic are one of the sides monitoring his situation amid a few defensive injuries for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The Hoops could land the 28-year-old for a cut-price and make the most of his Scottish Premiership experience.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Recent results at Selhurst Park mean there is no real panic over Roy Hodgson‘s position.

Hodgson, 76, will “100% leave” at the end of the season, sources say, and a dip in form could mean he is relieved of those duties early.

But a change is not imminent at this time following the recent win over Brentford.

Steve Cooper is currently unattached following his sacking at Nottingham Forest and is seen as a ready-made replacement for Hodgson by club chiefs at Palace.

But neither party is in any rush to make a change with the Croydon outfit well clear of the relegation zone.