Sources: Newcastle make contact with Diomande’s camp as they race Arsenal for deal
Newcastle United have made contact with the entourage of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande ahead of a potential summer deal, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the Magpies are ready to battle Arsenal for the 20-year-old’s signature this year.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (1 January) that Arsenal have been in touch with Diomande’s family as they look to beat their rivals to a deal in 2024.
Interest in the youngster is hotting up and he is set to become one of the most in-demand players in Europe this year.
It is believed Diomande has a release clause worth around £70million in his contract at Sporting – which is set to run until June 2027.
Both Arsenal and Newcastle will find it hard to sanction a deal of that size in January – and a well-placed source has told Football Insider that the two sides are instead looking at a possible summer deal.
Financial Fair Play restrictions are likely to prevent either side from splurging on a new centre-back this month.
Diomande has impressed for Sporting this season and is set to feature for the Ivory Coast on home turf in this month’s African Cup of Nations.
The three-cap international has played 21 times across all competitions this season, notching two goals and one assist alongside highly-coveted Portugal international Goncalo Inacio.
Newcastle want centre-back reinforcements after struggling with several injury problems in the 2023-24 campaign so far.
Sven Botman has recently returned to action after avoiding surgery for a knee injury, while Jamal Lascelles is now out injured after covering for the Netherlands international in recent weeks.
The Magpies sit ninth in the Premier League table after being ravaged by fitness problems over the festive period.
Eddie Howe’s side are next in action against rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday (6 January).
In other news, Newcastle United ready formal move for Championship sensation.