Romano says Arsenal are a £70million prodigy and have “been watching him for a long time”.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande, claiming a £70m move to the Premier League giants could be on the cards in 2024.
On the other hand, if you had been following this story closely, you might already know this.
Arsenal reportedly showed interest in one of Europe’s most exciting young centre-backs ahead of his move from Midtjylland to Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window. A few months later, the Gunners made a £30 million bid Record.
Arsenal like Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande
“Arsenal are being heavily linked by the Portuguese press with Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande,” explains Romano in his commentary Here we go Podcast.
And as it refuses to accept defeat, a new and improved offering is already in the pipeline. Records suggest Arsenal could be tempted to trigger the £70m release clause in Ousmane Diomande’s contract in the new year.
“I was told he is a player they have been following for a long time. But it’s not just Arsenal (watching him). “There are three or four clubs monitoring Diomande for the future,” adds Romano.
“There was never a trial this summer. Because it wasn’t for sale.”
Arsenal’s next big signing
The 1.80 meter tall Ivory Coast international, who will only celebrate his 20th birthday in December, has many of the qualities that Mikel Arteta expects from a central defender. Impressive at both starting and stopping attacks, Diomande failed to capitalize on his chances of a move to the Emirates in the spring, shining as Sporting knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League.
“Diomande started training here when he was ten years old,” says OS Bobo boss Amza Gamal; President of the club where the tall teenager began his career in his native Ivory Coast.
“He is very technical and shows a lot of intelligence in short and long passes. He has a good sense of anticipation. In addition to these qualities, there is also speed and efficiency in his duels.
“Sporting is a great European club that plays good football. I am convinced that Diomande will continue to develop. (I think) he will be one of the best central defenders in the world.”
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