Arsenal’s Pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s Star Gains Momentum

Arsenal Football Club has reportedly made a significant move for Sporting Lisbon’s promising defender, Ousmane Diomande. This revelation comes courtesy of the reputable Portuguese publication, Record .

The Gunners’ interest in the Ivorian center-back dates back to the beginning of 2023, but Sporting managed to secure his services from FC Midtjylland for a fee of €7 million, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons.

What’s remarkable is how swiftly the 19-year-old has transitioned into a pivotal figure for Sporting and recently marked his international debut for the Ivory Coast. Such developments have only fueled the intrigue surrounding him.

The latest reports indicate that Arsenal tabled a €35 million bid for the teenage sensation during the summer transfer window, an offer that Sporting promptly rejected. However, the English club is not expected to relent in their pursuit, with more clubs likely to join the race for Diomande’s signature.

Sporting, recognizing the value of their emerging star, has commenced negotiations for an extended contract that would tie Diomande to the club beyond June 2027. Yet, it’s noteworthy that his release clause, currently set at a formidable €80 million, remains untouched in any potential deal.

In a twist of events, Record’s sources have revealed that Diomande has no intention of seeking a January exit from Sporting, which underscores his commitment to the club.

Statistically, his performance in the current season is equally impressive. With a pass completion rate of 90 percent in the Primeira Liga, he demonstrates remarkable composure on the ball. Furthermore, he averages 2.2 tackles per game and boasts a formidable 65 percent success rate in both ground and aerial duels.

The Ivorian sensation’s contributions extend beyond defensive duties, as he records an average of six ball recoveries per match.

Many experts in the footballing world believe that his skill set is ideally suited for the rigors of the Premier League, and it’s entirely conceivable that Arsenal will return with an improved bid in the upcoming summer transfer window.

While the exact figure remains speculative, it’s anticipated to surpass their initial €35 million offer, though likely falling short of the daunting €80 million release clause embedded in his Sporting contract.