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Arsenal are keen on completing a deal for Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande as they look to add quality to their backline ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Ivory Coast defender has emerged as a top target for multiple sides in Europe, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
For much of the last two years, Arsenal have been one of Europe's most consistent sides, and they are keen on building on this achievement. The Gunners narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in 2022-23, and are looking to build a squad to challenge on every front.
An AFCON winner with Ivory Coast, 20-year-old Ousmane Diomande is in high demand after his exploits in the Sporting CP colors. The youngster has featured 34 times for Ruben Amorim's side across all competitions this season. He has scored three goals and one assist, helping them lead the way in Portugal's top flight.
Arsenal are long-time admirers of Diomande, having watched him since his days in Denmark with FC Midtjylland. They have seen an initial offer of £30 million get rejected, as Sporting CP will only do business if his full £68 million release clause is paid.
According to Portuguese outlets Record and O Jogo, Diomande is likely to leave Sporting CP in the summer, and Arsenal are his preferred destination. The Ivorian centre-back will provide cover and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, the first-choice pairing, at the back for the Gunners.
Chelsea were also said to be close to a move for Diomande in January, but his release clause seemingly put them off. There is also interest in striker Viktor Gyokeres from both sides, although a move for Diomande can happen independently of that.
Arsenal set to miss out on Club World Cup after UEFA Champions League exit to Bayern Munich
Arsenal will miss out on a place in next year's revamped FIFA Club World Cup after losing to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday. The Gunners fell 3-2 on aggregate, with a Joshua Kimmich header (63') proving pivotal for the German side.
The defeat means that the Gunners will not be among Europe's representatives for the tournament in July 2025, and their place will be taken by Austrian side Salzburg. The English side needed to win the tournament to make it into the Club World Cup, but their failure to do so will see them miss out.
Europe's 12 representatives have now been confirmed for the 32-team tournament slated for 2025. Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, FC Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and FC Salzburg will represent Europe in the competition.
