94% passing: Arsenal in the picture to sign 21yo Primeira Liga star, €80m clause in contract…

94% passing: Arsenal is in the running to acquire 21-year-old Primeira Liga talent, with an €80m release clause in his contract.

According to the Portuguese publication Record (page 14), Arsenal and Chelsea are both potential suitors for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande.

The Ivory Coast international joined the Primeira Liga team from Midtjylland in January 2023 and has quickly become a vital part of their defensive lineup.

Diomande’s existing contract with Sporting is set to expire in June 2027, and Record reports that his future may be in doubt beyond the upcoming summer transfer window.

Turkish sources have mentioned Galatasaray as a club showing interest this month, but it has been stated that Sporting has yet to receive any official offers for the player.

The Portuguese champions are expected to hold off on any discussions regarding Diomande’s departure until next summer. Record also highlights interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea in the 21-year-old.

Diomande has a release clause of €80 million (£71m) in his contract with Sporting.

Arsenal unlikely to seek another centre-back

The Gunners are well-stocked in the central defensive area. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are the clear first-choice defenders in both Premier League and Champions League matches when available.

Last summer, Arsenal brought in Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie (on loan with a buy obligation), and both are viewed as immediate backup options for Saliba and Gabriel in the starting lineup.

In addition to these players, manager Mikel Arteta could utilize Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, or Ben White in that position. With seven reliable options available, there is no pressing need for additional reinforcements.

Saliba’s future was a subject of speculation due to Real Madrid’s interest earlier this year, but the French defender has recently signed a new long-term contract, effectively quelling the transfer rumors.

With Saliba committed to the Gunners, the club is unlikely to seek another right-footed centre-back.

He has maintained an average of six recoveries and five clearances in each match, yet he still needs to focus on reducing errors. In the past, he has been responsible for mistakes that have directly resulted in goals for the opposing team.

Arsenal might not pursue Diomande, but Chelsea or any other club in the Premier League could join the competition. Crystal Palace showed interest last summer and may consider making a new offer.