Arsenal may boast arguably the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League right now, but it appears that Mikel Arteta’s men could be interested in strengthening their defensive options further in the summer transfer window.
No side conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this past season, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes getting better and better together.
It would be a surprise if Arsenal were willing to splash the cash on another marquee centre-back in this window, but it seems that the Gunners are monitoring potential targets – two of which actually play for the same club.
According to a report from The Sun, Arsenal are interested in Ousmane Diomande, with Sporting valuing the 20-year-old at around £50 million.
Arsenal scouts have been tracking Goncalo Inacio recently
The report adds that Arsenal have also recently been scouting Goncalo Inacio, with his contract with the Portuguese side including a release clause worth £52 million.
Inacio appears to have a number of admirers in the Premier League, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Manchester United and Liverpool have been scouting the 22-year-old.
Mikel Arteta not afraid to make very ruthless decisions
What makes this summer particularly interesting with Arsenal is the ruthless decisions Arteta has previously made with the stalwarts within his ranks.
Few would have ever imagined before last summer that Aaron Ramsdale would be replaced as the Gunners’ number one, while it is easy to forget that Gabriel was a peripheral figure in the opening weeks of this past season.
It would be a shock if Arteta decided to rock the boat by signing someone to potentially replace Gabriel, with Inacio tending to play on the left of Sporting’s back three.
But it is intriguing that Arsenal are looking at two centre-backs valued at at least £50 million, and supporters will have a lot of questions if that interest is backed up with a bid in the coming weeks.
Perhaps Arsenal may be a side to watch should one of his other admirers make a move over the summer.