According to a Portuguese media O Jogo, Arsenal are leading Chelsea in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande this summer.
The Gunners have had a fantastic first division campaign and currently have the best defensive record with only 26 goals conceded. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been tremendous as a central defensive pairing, but remain linked with a move for Diomande.
according to O JogoArsenal have been gathering information on the talented youngster and are prepared to intensify talks soon. Chelsea and Bayern are also mentioned as suitors, but Arsenal are considered the main candidates to secure the signature of the highly regarded Ivorian star.
Great potential
Arsenal were interested in signing Diomande when he was playing for Danish club Midtylland last year, but Sporting beat them to the punch. He has continued to follow the young central defender's actions and has established contact with his surroundings, as reported O Jogo.
Diomande would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners and would fit perfectly into their transfer policy. At only 20 years old, he is one of the most sought-after young centre-backs. The Ivorian has been brilliant with the ball at his feet and has also attracted attention for his aerial and physical presence inside the area.
The 20-year-old also has the speed to recover in counter-attacking situations and rarely loses possession. With his enormous potential, Arsenal seem willing to spend heavily on him despite having Saliba and Gabriel in their ranks. He certainly won't come cheap this summer with a £68m release clause in his contract.
Arsenal are likely to propose a long-term payment plan for the youngster. Sporting could be willing to do business for a fee closer to the clause. The Gunners should have a clear advantage over Premier League rivals Chelsea, who will not be able to offer Champions League Football for next season.
