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Arsenal planning swoop for Ousmane Diomande next summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on September 12, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a move for Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande next summer, as per the Portuguese outlet Record.

After coming through the Ivorian club Olympic Sport Abobo’s youth system, the 19-year-old joined the Danish club Midtjylland back in 2020.

Upon moving to the MCH Arena, the youngster was sent out on a season-long loan to the Portuguese club Mafra last summer to play regular first-team football and develop his career.

However, after being impressed by the Ivorian’s performances in Liga Portugal 2, Sporting decided to sign Diomande from Midtjylland in a £6m deal at the beginning of this year.

Meanwhile, while citing and translating the print version of Record, Sport Witness has reported that Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on Diomande’s development for a very long time.

Diomande to Arsenal

The report further claims that the Gunners tried to sign the defender from Midtjylland but the North London club decided not to secure his signature as they thought the Danish club’s asking price was too high. But, in the end, Sporting swooped in and signed him.

Record also states that Arsenal remain interested in the highly talented defender and they even tabled a £30m offer to sign the African in the recently concluded summer window. However, the Lions rejected the bid as they weren’t willing to let their star man leave unless his potential suitors such as the Gunners opted to trigger his £69m release clause.

But, the report says that Arsenal haven’t given up on their hopes of signing Diomande and are ready to reignite their interest next summer.

The African is a versatile player as he is a centre-back by traits but can also play in the right-back position. He is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, excellent in defensive contributions and also reads the game well.

Diomande is an extremely talented player and possesses high potential so he would be a great coup for Arsenal if they eventually manage to secure his signature in the upcoming transfer window.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether Mikel Arteta’s side eventually opt to formalise their interest in signing him next summer to bolster their backline.