"Alarms are ringing": Arsenal now interested in signing 21-year-old star valued at £50m - report
Arsenal have been named as one of the potential candidates to sign Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande this summer, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (page 2).
The Ivory Coast international has been a key player for the Primeira Liga giants. He has already accumulated 100 appearances since his move from Midtjylland two years ago.
His progress has caught the eye of many European clubs. A Bola claim that Arsenal are one of his admirers. The Gunners recently sent a scout to monitor the centre-back against Benfica.
The ‘alarms are ringing’ at Sporting CP and it is claimed that the interest ‘worries’ them. Diomande, who has a £67 million release clause in his contract, could be allowed to leave for £50m.
Sporting CP intend to keep the 21-year-old, but a big offer could pave the way for his exit.
Arsenal could consider swoop for Diomande
The Gunners have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as undisputed starters in central defence when fit.
Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are options for manager Mikel Arteta.
However, White and Timber have more or less established themselves as specialist right-backs at Arsenal.
Similarly, Calafiori has vastly played at left-back. Tomiyasu is out for the long term after knee surgery.
Kiwior has proved a quality deputy for Gabriel. He has been superb in the injury absence of the Brazil international.
The manager may want a similar option behind Saliba. His workload should be managed with occasional rotation.
Diomande would be an ideal candidate. He has a 94 percent passing accuracy this term with 60 percent of duels won.
The Ivorian has also made 4.7 recoveries per outing with 2.7 clearances and 1.2 tackles.
He is a strong ball-playing centre-back, but he still needs more experience to improve his discipline.
Diomande has picked up two red cards and has been guilty of conceding four penalties.
Hence, he is far from a finished article and needs to be better with his decision-making in crunch situations.
Arsenal may see him as an understudy to Saliba. He could become a regular starter in the long run if Saliba were to depart.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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