Arsenal are reportedly 'serious' about signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon, with the Gunners set to battle Manchester United for the centre-back's signature during next summer's transfer window.
Diomande, 20, moved to Sporting from FC Midtjylland in 2023, and he has represented the Green and Whites on 68 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering one assist in the process.
The centre-back has been a vital player for Ruben Amorim's side this season, making 13 appearances in all competitions, and he put in a strong performance in his side's 4-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League last week.
Amorim is allegedly keen to bring Diomande with him to Man United, as the Portuguese prepares to officially take charge of the 20-time English champions on Monday.
However, according to Record, Arsenal are also determined to sign the youngster, with the Gunners already making contact with Sporting to register their interest in his services.
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Arsenal 'make contact with Sporting over Diomande deal'
The report claims that Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also in the running for his signature, with Sporting expected to find it difficult to keep him beyond next summer's transfer window.
Diomande is said to be aware of the growing interest in his services, but there is a €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, and Sporting could point to that figure during next summer's transfer window.
The defender's agent Luis Cassaiano Neves said last year that his client was "extremely satisfied" at Sporting and branded the Portuguese outfit "ideal" for his development.
"He is extremely satisfied at Sporting, he is very focused on the club and the objectives for this season, which include winning the national title and improving," Neves told A Bola. "He knows that Sporting is the ideal club for this evolution. Sporting is Diomande's present and future and it is where he wants to evolve."
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Sporting's success this season will naturally lead to interest in their players, and it is fair to say that Amorim has assembled a very talented squad in Lisbon, including star striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Man United are believed to be determined to sign Gyokeres next year, while Manchester City have also been heavily linked with the Sweden international, who has 23 goals in 17 appearances this season.
Wonderkid Geovany Quenda is also believed to be wanted by Man United, while the club are being linked with Pedro Goncalves, who has five goals and six assists in 11 appearances for Sporting this season.
Amorim was questioned about Goncalves during a press conference on Saturday and claimed that the Portuguese has the credentials to turn out for any side in world football, with the 26-year-old also believed to be on Man United's radar.
Matt Law
