Ousmane Diomande reportedly has no intention of departing Sporting Lisbon for the foreseeable future.
The defender has been regarded as one of the most highly-rated prospects plying his trade in European football for over a year.
Having initially impressed on loan at Portuguese second-tier side Mafra during the first half of 2022-23, the 19-year-old secured a transfer to Sporting Lisbon.
Diomande made a total of 17 outings for Sporting from January through to the end of the campaign, including four matches in the Europa League.
Since then, the Ivory Coast international's stock has risen further, with two goals and one assist coming from his six outings in all competitions during 2023-24.
© Reuters
However, Diomande's constant progression and regular time in the senior ranks at Sporting has naturally led to interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Arsenal and Manchester City have each been linked with making a formal approach for Diomande, both during the summer transfer window or in January.
Nevertheless, according to A Bola, Diomande will not entertain a switch to one of the Premier League giants at this stage of his career.
The report says that Luis Cassiano Neves - the player and family's lawyer - has told the outlet that he is enjoying life at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
© Reuters
Furthermore, it is claimed that Diomande views Sporting as the perfect club to spend the upcoming years of his career, rather than become a bit-part player elsewhere.
Diomande holds a contract at Sporting until 2027 and it is plausible that his terms may be extended or improved should he remain in the first team.
Sporting have enjoyed an outstanding start to the campaign, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 and conceding just four times in five league matches.
Should Ruben Amorim's side overcome Rio Ave in their home fixture on Monday night, they will move to the top of the Primeira Liga standings on goal difference.
Darren Plant
