Arsenal have scouts present at the AFCON, as they are watching Ousmane Diomande in action as the Gunners plot a summer move.
According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Arsenal have sent scouts to the AFCON to watch Ousmane Diomande in action. The 20-year-old defender has been high up on Mikel Arteta’s list of defensive targets as the Gunners plot a summer move for the Sporting CP star.
Arsenal sent scouts to watch Ousmane Diomande.
It’s pretty standard practice for top clubs to send scouts to watch desired players in action, and the AFCON must have seen many such club observers around. Arsenal have also sent some to Ivory Coast to watch 20-year-old Ousmane Diomande in action.
Mikel Arteta has had eyes on the Sporting CP star for some time now and may attempt to lure the 20-year-old to the Emirates in the summer. Arsenal reportedly failed with a €35 million offer last year, as Sporting CP were insistent on his €80 million release clause.
Diomande, at a young age, has shown enough maturity and versatility that Arteta sees him as a direct fit into his system. However, due to the €80 million release clause, a January move appeared impossible, as the Gunners may have concerted discussions in the summer, which could see a price drop.
Diomande and his Ivory Coast side luckily survived the ordeal of getting eliminated from the AFCON and qualified for the next Round despite their third-placed finish in Group A. They now face Senegal in the Round of 16, as Arsenal scouts will hope the defender stays longer in the tournament.
Arsenal faces intense competition for Diomande.
A report suggested Arsenal had contacted Diomande’s family in a bid to accelerate their move earlier this month. They might have done so to get an upper hand in negotiations, as there are plenty of suitors lining up summer moves for the 20-year-old.
Chelsea are keen on Diomande, as they have maintained their interest for some time now. FFP restrictions may have stopped them from making an offer this month, but they will surely reignite the chase in the summer.
Liverpool are also keen, as the club are looking for a Joel Matip replacement next summer. Overall, Arsenal have a big job on their hands to convince the 20-year-old to join them over their rivals.
