Arsenal and Man Utd to begin talks over deal for Sporting star Ousmane Diomande
Arsenal and manchester united Talks are expected to begin with Sporting CP over a deal to sign centre-back Ousmane Diomande this summer, according to CaughtOffside.
The 20-year-old has been a key player for Sporting since arriving from Danish side FC Midtjylland last summer, making 26 appearances to help Ruben Amorim's side clinch the Primeira Liga title.
Diomande's performances have caught the attention of clubs here in the first division with CaughtOffside reporting that Arsenal and Man Utd are showing strong interest in the Ivory Coast international ahead of the summer.
The report says both clubs are willing to “make contact” with Sporting to discuss a deal for Diomande, but face increased competition as Newcastle UnitedEdit and Chelsea They are also interested in the 1.90 m defender.
Diomande is set to move to the Premier League next summer, but with his contract at the Estádio José Alvalade until June 2027, the youngster has no control over any transfer.
The Lions are determined to retain the Ivorian and will demand that the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd meet his €80m (£68m) release clause, according to the report.
Modern defender
Arsenal have had the best defense in the Premier League this season, so it is difficult to see them paying £68m for a player who will be a substitute. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, United's defensive failings were exposed in their 1:0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, where Arsenal penetrated United's penalty area with ease to make 16 attempts in total despite not being at their best. .
While injuries to starting defenders may have played a role in United's disastrous defensive record, the lack of quality depth on the bench has left United with no option but to use casemiro in an unknown central role.
That's why, Erik Ten Hag needs to carry out a defensive renovation incorporating high quality center backs to compete for a starting position and also provide defensive cover when necessary.
Diomande possesses all the characteristics of a modern centre-back, from the ability to play from the back to asserting aerial dominance and leaving no prisoners when attacking.
The Ivorian defender fits the profile of Ten Hag's transitional football system and could form a formidable partnership with an in-form Lisandro Martínez.
Paying his £68m release clause should not be a problem for INEOS, but European qualification may pose a threat to the player winning the race ahead of rivals such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
