Arsenal have reportedly contacted the family of Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande, with the Gunners looking to get ahead in the race for the centre-back's signature.
The 20-year-old has been a mainstay in Sporting's XI since moving from Danish side FC Midtjylland in January 2023, featuring 38 times and scoring on three occasions.
Diomande has played in 15 Primeira Liga contests for Ruben Amorim's men this season as they battle with fierce rivals Benfica and Porto for the Portuguese crown.
The defender has represented his nation three times and is set to feature for the Ivory Coast in this month's Africa Cup of Nations - a competition that Jean-Louis Gasset's side are hosting.
According to Football Insider, Premier League title chasers Arsenal have stepped up their attempts to lure Diomande to the Emirates Stadium in 2024.
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The report claims that Mikel Arteta's side have been in contact with the family of the defender ahead of a potential move to North London in the near future.
It is understood that Diomande is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe, meaning that Arsenal will face competition for his services.
Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Ivorian and Sporting's leading marksman Viktor Gyokeres - formerly of Coventry City.
The Sweden international bagged 21 goals in 49 Championship appearances for the Sky Blues last term, earning him an attractive switch to Lisbon in the summer.
It is believed that Diomande's contract at Estadio Jose Alvalade has a release clause of £70m, so the Gunners would have to spend heavily to secure their target.
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Arsenal have been no strangers to splashing out on players in recent times, with England international Declan Rice arriving at the Emirates from West Ham United for £105m ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Although a move for Diomande this month has not been ruled out, it is understood that Arteta's side are pushing for the 20-year-old's signature following the conclusion of the current campaign.
William Saliba and Brazilian Gabriel have been the preferred centre-back pairing at the Emirates for the past 18 months, with the likes of Ben White and Jakub Kiwior providing alternative options.
Following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League against London rivals West Ham and Fulham, Arsenal could make changes to their backline when they host Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Carter White
