Sources: Arsenal in contact with Ousmane Diomande’s family as they set up deal
Arsenal have been in touch with the family of Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande as they eye a deal for the defender, sources have told Football Insider.
Interest in Diomande, 20, is hotting up and he is set to become one of the most in-demand players in Europe this year.
Arsenal are keen to bring the Ivory Coast international to the Premier League with a move most likely to materialise in the summer transfer window.
It is believed Diomande has a release clause worth around £70million in his contract at Sporting – which is set to run until June 2027.
The right-footed centre-back has played 21 times across all competitions this season, notching two goals and one assist.
He joined the club from Danish side FC Midtjylland in January 2023 and has gone on to make 38 appearances.
The 20-year-old lines up alongside Portugal international Goncalo Inacio, who has also been coveted by elite Premier League sides.
Diomande has amassed three Ivory Coast caps and will represent his country at this month’s African Cup of Nations on home turf.
Arsenal are on the hunt for centre-back reinforcements as Mikel Arteta continues his transformation of the north London outfit.
William Saliba and Gabriel have been the mainstays for the Gunners in the 2023-24 campaign at the heart of their defence.
Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior can also play as central defenders for the title challengers but have not managed to break the partnership of Saliba and Gabriel.
Arsenal sit fourth in the Premier League after back-to-back losses against West Ham and Fulham.
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