Arsenal have been linked with a move for 20-year-old Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande ahead of the summer.
Ousmane Diomande has established himself as a key player for Sporting CP, and his performances have attracted the attention of Arsenal. However, a report from Caught Offside has claimed that they will not move for the talented young central defender without selling Jakub Kiwior.
“I think there is always a need to continue to improve your squad. Arsenal’s priorities this summer are certainly towards the top end of the pitch, but if an opportunity presents itself at the back then maybe they could look to try and strengthen,” Charles Watts said.
“Jorrel Hato is a reported target and he fits the bill in terms of the players Arsenal like to recruit. I think a lot would depend on Jakub Kiwior’s future though when it comes to Hato or any other defender, such as Ousmane Diomande.”
The 24-year-old central defender has not had regular game time at Arsenal, and he needs to move on for the sake of his career. Kiwior needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and Arsenal will not be able to provide him with the necessary opportunities. The Gunners should look to cash on him and bring in someone who can help them improve.
Diomande would be a long-term acquisition for them. The 20-year-old defender has been linked with other European heavyweights as well, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can secure his signature.
The defender is unlikely to be a cheap acquisition, and he has a €80 million release clause in his contract. Arsenal will have to pay a premium to sign the player. They have other priorities during the summer transfer window as well, and it will be interesting to see if they are willing to splash out €80 million on a defender.
Ousmane Diomande would be a future prospect
The Sporting CP prospect is an elite talent, and he could develop into a world-class defender with the right guidance. He could end up justifying the investment in the coming years and establish himself as an indispensable asset for the club.
The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be an attractive proposition for the young defender, and he will hope that the clubs can secure an agreement over the fee. Mikel Arteta has done well to nurture young players at Arsenal, and he could play a key role in the development of the 20-year-old central defender as well.