Arsenal can reportedly sign defensive target Ousmane Diomande for a reduced fee in the summer as Sporting CP are ready to sell.
According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Arsenal could get their hands on Ousmane Diomande for a fee less than his reported €80 million release clause. Sporting CP may be willing to sell at a discount following a few months of below-par performance from the 20-year-old defender, as they already have a replacement in mind.
Ousmane Diomande available for €50-60 million?
Sporting CP are already making plans to improve their squad after a title-winning campaign and have set sights on Anderlecht’s Zeno Debast as a defensive target. In order to acquire the centre-back and maintain financial balance, they might have to sell one of their current stars, with Ousmane Diomande in the frame to leave, as many clubs, including Arsenal, are closely monitoring his situation.
The report suggests that Sporting CP are willing to slash his asking price, which also happens to be his €80 million release clause. For a few weeks, reports have suggested they are willing to sell him for around €50-60 million, which may come to tempt some of his suitors, including the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta has reportedly wanted the Ivorian star for quite some time, with some stories from last summer insisting Sporting did reject a decent enough offer from the Gunners. The €80 million release clause in the 20-year-old defender’s contract was always considered excessive. However, there are doubts about whether the willingness to sell him for less would entice the North Londoners to make an offer.
The reason behind the discounted price has been due to Diomande’s below-par performances in the past few months since he returned from the AFCON. Arsenal does like the 20-year-old defender a lot. But there are doubts about whether they will even pay €50-60 million to sign him, although Arteta might decide to attempt at some stage.
Arsenal are keen on a young defender
Arsenal are in the market for a new young defender to act as cover for his formidable central pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian is expected to sign a new deal and the former already committing to fresh terms last summer, Arteta is unlikely to break up the pair and will continue to add in order to strengthen his backline.
With the current crop of Arsenal defenders with enough experience, it may be time to add a young star with top capabilities. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato remains a target, while Diomande has also been looked at closely over the last 18 months or so. Among the two, right now, the 20-year-old defender seems like a cheaper option than the Dutchman, with Ajax reportedly demanding €100 million for the teenager.
