Arsenal are ‘very closely’ watching £67m talent who’s won 70% aerial duels this term – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are very closely following the performances of Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande, according to Portuguese publication Record (page 10).

The Ivory Coast international joined Sporting from FC Midtjylland in January last year and he had a good 2023 where he had several stand-out performances.

However, his form dipped after his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations this year. This meant that there was not any high-profile interest in signing him last summer.

Diomande has managed to redeem himself under manager Ruben Amorim this season.

He has been almost ever-present for them in the Primeira Liga. The Ivorian has played in the centre of the back three after Sebastian Coates’ return to Nacional in Uruguay.

Arsenal are said to be monitoring him ‘very closely’. Diomande has a release clause worth £67 million in his contract, but Sporting are likely to leave room for negotiations.

Diomande move could depend on Saliba’s future

The Gunners currently have the best central defence in the Premier League. Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been exceptional as a pairing over the past 18 months.

Aside from the duo, the club have Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who can provide back-up when required by the manager.

Arsenal don’t need to acquire another marquee centre-back, but the scenario could change if Saliba were to leave for Real Madrid during the 2025 summer transfer window.

The European champions have identified Saliba as their top priority ahead of next season and they are prepared to pay whatever the price to persuade Arsenal into a sale.

If Saliba were to leave, the London giants could revive their long-term interest in Diomande.

Diomande has had a fine start to the new season with a passing accuracy of 94% in the Primeira Liga.

He has won an impressive 70% of his aerial duels with two clearances and 4.4 recoveries per outing.

The 20-year-old is a huge talent with potential and could be seen as Saliba’s successor at Arsenal.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com