Quantcast
Home   >   Transfer News   >   Arsenal showing the ‘strongest interest’ in Ousmane Diomande

Arsenal showing the ‘strongest interest’ in Ousmane Diomande

By on March 13, 2025

Ousmane Diomande

Arsenal are reportedly showing the ‘strongest interest’ in signing Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande, as per Caught Offside.

After joining the Lions from FC Midtjylland in January 2023, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a successful time in recent seasons. He won the Liga Portugal title last term and has been guiding his team to defend the title this campaign.

Sporting are currently at the top of the league with 59 points, sitting three points ahead of second-placed SL Benfica having played an extra game. The Ivory Coast international was even a part of the national team squad that won the AFCON last year.

The Gunners hold a long-term interest in Diomande as they have been linked with a move for him over the last few transfer windows but haven’t made a concrete approach yet.

Now, Caught Offside claim that Arsenal have started showing the ‘strongest interest’ in hiring him and have been keeping a close eye on him before making a potential swoop.

Diomande to Arsenal

The defender has a £67m release clause in his current contract with his existing deal set to run until 2027. However, the North London club believe the price is too high and are hoping to get the deal done for a fee of around £42m with some possible bonuses and clauses.

However, Sporting are confident that they will get the £67m from other European clubs if Arsenal don’t do the deal. Apart from Mikel Arteta’s side, Chelsea are also keen on signing him so the Gunners will have to overcome their city rival’s challenge to seal the deal.

Diomande is a talented player and possesses high potential. However, Arsenal are currently well stocked in their centre-back position as they already have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Moreover, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori can provide cover in this position if needed. Therefore, Arteta’s side don’t have to spend big to add more depth in this position.

Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Emirates club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his service in the upcoming transfer window to bolster the defence.