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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Sporting star Ousmane Diomande this summer to strengthen their depth in defence, according to Caught Offside.
The Gunners recently tied down Gabriel Magalhaes to a long-term contract lasting until 2029, and the Brazilian’s formidable partnership with William Saliba has paid dividends for boss Mikel Arteta.
But the Spaniard is thought to be open to the prospect of adding another central defender as depth behind the starters, and club sporting director Andrea Berta has already sent scouts to track Diomande’s progress in Portugal.
Arsenal Eyeing Sporting Defender Diomande
English rivals are also interested
As per the report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have Diomande on their radar, as do the likes of Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are also keen from overseas.
Sporting are reluctant to part ways with the talented defender, who joined from Danish outfit Midjylland in January 2023, and they are set to insist on their £67 million asking price to sanction a transfer to suitors.
Previously described as “phenomenal”, Diomande has been a mainstay in Sporting’s first-team for two-and-a-half seasons now. He featured on 46 occasions last campaign, scoring two goals.
Diomande’s preferred next destination remains unknown, though he may well be offered the opportunity to be a more prominent first-team member were he to move to Chelsea or Crystal Palace as opposed to being a rotiational asset at the Emirates.
If Arsenal’s pursuit for Diomande falls through, they could turn their attention to Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins, who they were previously credited with interest in.
