Arsenal increase the pressure for Diomande, intend to beat Chelsea to his signature
Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to sign Ousmane Diomande ahead of Chelsea during the summer transfer window, according to O Jogo.
The north London giants currently have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as their main centre-backs. Jakub Kiwior is considered as the immediate back-up.
The likes of Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White can also operate at the heart of the backline, but the club are still linked with Diomande.
O Jogo today (page 8) claim that the Gunners are ready to increase the pressure as they ‘intend to beat’ Chelsea to the signature of the highly-rated star.
The hierarchy want to offer a ‘strong option’ to manager Mikel Arteta in the central defensive department despite the presence of Saliba, Gabriel and Kiwior.
Diomande currently has a €80 million release clause in his contract, but it has been reported that Sporting could accept €60m up front with remaining in add-ons.
Arsenal looking to bolster their defence further
The Gunners currently have one of the best backlines in Europe. Saliba and Gabriel have been tremendous over recent months with stand-out performances.
Despite this, the hierarchy don’t want to rest on their laurels and they look set to add more competition for places ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as per O Jogo.
Diomande was on the radar of the Gunners before his move to Sporting. They have continued to monitor him closely and could be prepared to splash the cash this summer.
The 20-year-old is a strong ball-playing centre-back. He averages 65 passes per game in the Primeira Liga this season with an accuracy of 92 per cent.
He has won 64 per cent of his duels alongside 5.8 recoveries, 1.7 tackles and 1.5 clearances per outing.
With such impressive statistics, Diomande has quickly become one of the most sought-after centre-backs and Arsenal appear keen on prising him away.
Aside from the Blues, the Gunners face competition in the form of Bayern Munich for his services.
The club should be optimistic of landing him. They are almost assured of Champions League football unlike Chelsea, who may not qualify for Europe.
The Blues may also not afford the youngster without player sales. Arsenal should also be positive of beating Bayern in the pursuit of Diomande.
The likes of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and David Raya were all on the radar of Bayern last summer but they ultimately preferred a move to the Gunners.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
