Arsenal ‘serious’ about signing £66m star after transfer approach

Arsenal have made an approach for Sporting star Ousmane Diomande and are ‘serious’ about signing the defender.

Diomande joined Sporting in January 2023 and the 20-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding start to his career in Portugal, establishing himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in European football.

The Ivory Coast international made 26 appearances in total as Sporting secured their 20th league title under Ruben Amorim – the newly appointed Manchester United head coach – last season.

However, speculation has been mounting that Diomande could be set for a big-money move in the January transfer window, just two years on from his arrival in Lisbon.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich find themselves in a strong position to land Diamonde, while Arsenal and Chelsea are also firmly in the running.

The report claims both London clubs initiated contact over a potential agreement for Diomande, though these moves were swiftly knocked back by Sporting.

Arsenal have been keeping close tabs on Diomande for well over 12 months and remain ‘serious’ about signing the Ivorian after seeing an initial offer of £30million rejected last summer.

Diomande is believed to be aware of the growing interest from around Europe but is keen to remain focused on footballing matters at Sporting, with the club currently flying high in defence of their Primeira Liga crown.

The imposing 6 ft 3 in centre-half has an eye-watering €80m (£66m) release clause at Sporting, though the Portuguese champions recognise it may be unrealistic to expect an offer close to that figure.

His current contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium runs through to 2027.[p’;;;

Diomande’s agent has been intent on keeping the youngster’s feet on the ground, last year labelling Sporting as the ‘ideal club’ for his development in the game.

‘He is extremely satisfied at Sporting, he is very focused on the club and the objectives for this season, which include winning the national title and improving,’ Luis Cassaiano Neves told A Bola.

‘He knows that Sporting is the ideal club for this evolution.

‘Sporting is Diomande’s present and future and it is where he wants to evolve.’

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