According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Ousmane Diomande could be the subject of bids from English giants Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer. Sporting CP knows of the big interest from suitors and are seemingly worried about the prospects of losing the Ivorian centre-back in the close season.
Ousmane Diomande has been back to his best for Sporting CP after a dip in form earlier in the season. The defender is someone highly regarded by some of the big clubs around the continent as the upcoming summer window could see the centre-back move teams.
There’s sufficient interest from Premier League sides as Arsenal and Chelsea were keen earlier and it appears they have maintained their interest. The Blues, in particular, are eager to bring a top-draw centre-back into their ranks following another below-par season in defence.
Diomande has an €80 million release clause in his contract, although the report states Sporting CP could accept offers in the region of €60 million for the Ivorian. At that rate, there are a lot of other clubs keen including German giants Bayern Munich and English flyers Brighton along with Champions League-chasing Aston Villa.
Sporting CP are worried about the prospect of losing Diomande in the summer, with the club reportedly bracing for offers from Chelsea and Arsenal, as they do not want to lose him. The 21-year-old Ivorian will have two years left on his deal, as the upcoming window is likely to represent the ideal time to sell.
Arsenal undoubtedly have big admiration for Diomande, although they are unlikely to launch a big bid, especially in the region of €60 million. The Gunners have a considerable budget and want to use it wisely, as central defence is the least of their worries. They had considered Diomande as William Saliba’s potential replacement, although the Frenchman is unlikely to leave this summer and are in talks over a new deal.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are keen to close a deal with Sporting CP, as they are closing in on striker Viktor Gyokeres. Arsenal are expected to finalise a move as soon as the Portuguese season ends, and they might go for a cheaper defender if budgets permit, which does rule out a move for Diomande for the time being.
