Arsenal are ready to step up their pursuit of Ousmane Diomande, as their scouts could attend AFCON games to watch the defender.
Portuguese outlet Record via Sport Witness insists Arsenal are stepping up their efforts on Ousmane Diomande. The Ivory Coast defender is on top of Mikel Arteta’s defensive shortlist and held previous interest, as scouts could watch the 20-year-old defender in action during the AFCON.
Arsenal stepping up in Ousmane Diomande’s chase.
The Gunners are looking for a new central defender in January as Mikel Arteta remains keen to bolster the backline at all costs. There are quite a few options discussed in the media, with Ousmane Diomande being one of them.
The Ivory Coast international has made a name for himself since joining Sporting CP last January and has since become a mainstay in Ruben Amorim’s side. Chelsea are one of the sides keen and pushing the boat to sign him in January, but Arsenal are also well-placed to offer him a different route.
The Gunners are impressed by the 20-year-old defender’s application in games and feel he can be that versatile option Arteta so craves. Reports are stating Arsenal have been in touch with his family to push a transfer in the near future, as Arteta would hope it materialises in January.
The report further states that Gunners scouts will be in attendance during Ivory Coast’s games during the upcoming AFCON to watch the defender in action. If those observers return with a favourable report, then Arsenal might accelerate their pursuit and try to close a deal before January ends.
Does Arsenal have the financial means to finalise a deal?
The big talking points around Arsenal have been related to their finances and the money Arteta might have in January amid FFP concerns. They have already triggered the buy option in David Raya’s loan deal, which could see them spend significantly on the keeper.
Moreover, Sporting CP have no intention of selling Diomande in January unless any suitor comes up with his entire release clause of €80 million. Arsenal certainly do not have that sort of money, but a recent report stated they had made a loan-to-buy offer for Diomande’s Sporting teammate Goncalo Inacio.
With rules stating that clubs can only sign one player on loan from a particular team, the Gunners may consider offering similar deals for both defenders. Diomande seems higher on their list, and if they can come to an understanding with SPorting, a deal can materialise in January.
