Arsenal 'promise' transfer for €80m WONDERKID defender next year

Updated: 11 Sept 2023 18:01 BST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal badge on a red and black abstract background — © ProShots

Arsenal have ‘promised’ to return with a bid next year for Ousmane Diomande after seeing an initial approach rebuffed by Sporting CP for their wonderkid defender.

Diomande has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in recent months, having only made his professional debut a year ago while on loan at Portuguese second tier side Mafra from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.

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The 19-year-old’s performances in the first half of last season for Mafra prompted Sporting to sign him in January for €7.5 million, with the Ivorian instantly slotting into the heart of Ruben Amorim’s defence.

PROFILE: Who is Ousmane Diomande? Everything you need to know about the defensive wonderkid

Diomande continued his impressive form at the top level and attracted the interest of a host of Europe’s top sides including Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta reportedly being a huge admirer.

Portuguese newspaper Record claim that the Gunners offered Sporting the chance to make a swift and sizeable profit on Diomande this summer, but their offer of €35 million was quickly rejected.

However, Arsenal are described by Record as having ‘promised’ to return with another offer for Diomande next summer, although Sporting will only consider selling the teenager for his €80m release clause.

Diomande a natural target to bolster Arsenal defence

Diomande, who made his debut for the Ivory Coast last week, was believed to be a target for Manchester City as well before Sporting made their move.

Renowned for his pace and physical ability, Diomande could be seen as a potential replacement for Gabriel Magalhaes, after speculation over the Brazilian’s future.

Gabriel was an ever-present for Arsenal last season but began the new campaign on the bench, having been a target for Saudi Arabian sides as well as, reportedly, Real Madrid, and interested teams could return with an approach for the 25-year-old next summer.

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While Diomande is predominately right-footed, he has featured on both sides as a centre-back and would still be an option to provide competition for William Saliba if Gabriel remains at the club.