94% passing: Arsenal have "approached" to sign 22yo star with £70m clause

Arsenal have approached the representatives of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, who could leave during this summer’s transfer window, according to Record (page 6).

The Ivory Coast international has been a long-term target for the Gunners. He was initially on their radar during his time at Midtjylland. Sporting CP won the race to secure his signature.

Diomande recently put pen to paper on a new contract until 2030 with a £70 million release clause, but the extension ‘does not imply that the central defender will continue’ at Sporting CP next term.

Arsenal and Chelsea have already ‘approached’ the player’s entourage on many occasions. Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are also mentioned as contenders to sign him from the Premier League.

Sporting CP would be open to negotiating a lower amount than his clause this summer.

Arsenal unlikely to pursue deal for Diomande

Diomande has been one of the top-performing centre-backs in the Portuguese top-flight.

The Ivorian ace has had another fine season in the Primeira Liga. He has a passing accuracy of 94 percent, averaging almost four long balls per appearance.

He has made six recoveries and four clearances per outing. His disciplinary record has improved too (no red cards). The centre-back was sent off twice in 2024/25.

Sporting recently rewarded him with an improved contract for his progress, but he still earns only £57,500 per week and could secure a bigger package with a big-money move.

Arsenal have held a long-term interest in Diomande but seem unlikely to make a formal bid. The Gunners are well-equipped in the central defensive department for future seasons.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are undisputed starters in the heart of the defence, while the club have as many as seven options to provide cover in case of any injuries.

Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Marli Salmon could all slot in the central defensive department when required for Arsenal.

Midfielder Christian Norgaard has also played as a makeshift option in the ongoing campaign.

Hincapie was signed on loan with a conditional obligation to buy from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. Arsenal look pretty much certain to purchase him during the summer.

The Ecuadorian has been a regular starter at left-back for the Gunners this year.

Hence, Arsenal are unlikely to make a huge outlay on Diomande. The speculation could be agent-driven with the 22-year-old having his sights on a Premier League move.

Stats from Capology.com & Sofascore.com

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