At this stage of the season, fans can start to assess the most realistic summer signings for their club – and one is now starting to emerge for Arsenal supporters.
The Gunners could do with reinforcements in defence, midfield and attack this summer, with little quality depth behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, as well as doubts over the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
A new striker would also not go amiss, as Gabriel Jesus – nor Eddie Nketiah – have hit double figures for goals in the Premier League this season.
While fans always get most excited about a new striker arriving, it seems Arsenal are more likely to sign a new central defender at this moment in time…
Arsenal target Ousmane Diomande now expected to leave
Well, Sporting CP No.26 Ousmane Diomande looks quite likely to join Arsenal this summer.
A story from O Jogo in Portugal is now claiming that Sporting CP expect the Ivory Coast international to leave Lisbon this summer, and are already searching for a replacement.
It comes after another Portuguese news outlet in Record stated that Diomande would like to join the Gunners this summer.
O Jogo add that Arsenal have been following the Ivorian since his days at Midtjylland, and are aware of the defender’s €80m (£68m) release clause.
This sum does not appear to be putting Mikel Arteta off, with Diomande described as being a primary target for Arsenal – who are hoping to fend off competition from Bayern Munich and Chelsea too.
The 20-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Sporting CP so far this season, scoring three goals while also providing one assist.
Arsenal have already seen a £30m bid rejected by Sporting CP for Diomande – who insist on his release clause being activated.
There is also talk of Ruben Amorim wanting to take the defender to Liverpool with him – if an agreement to replace Jurgen Klopp materialises.
Mikel Arteta could change formation
On the surface, signing Diomande would seem like a move to bolster Arsenal’s depth, given the fact Arteta already has Gabriel and Saliba to call upon.
However, it would be a surprise if the Gunners spent around £70m to sign a player for the bench, which suggests Arsenal might be hoping to introduce a three-man central defence system at times next season with wing-backs, depending on the opposition.
Whatever the reason behind interest in Diomande, this transfer link is truly starting to heat up, so make sure to keep an eye on the situation.
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