Arsenal could reportedly sign Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande for a discount fee this summer, as per the Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã.
Having narrowly missed out on winning the league title last term, the Gunners are reportedly set to remain busy in the upcoming transfer window to reinforce the squad in order to close the gap with Manchester City.
Arsenal are reportedly prioritising signing a new striker and midfielder, but it has been suggested that Mikel Arteta is also willing to purchase a new left-sided defender.
However, Arteta doesn’t always use a left-footed player on the left side of defence as after purchasing Jurrien Timber last summer, the Spanish boss deployed him in the left-back position in his Premier League debut.
In addition, Arteta used Takehiro Tomiyasu in the left-back position for a large part of last season, keeping Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko on the bench. Arteta doesn’t use natural fullbacks, rather he uses centre-backs in the fullback positions.
Diomande to Arsenal
So, it seems he might be planning to do the same once again as the Gunners have been linked with numerous centre-backs in recent times with Diomande being among them.
While citing and translating the print version of Correio da Manhã, Sport Witness has reported that Arsenal are interested in signing Diomande and they could look to secure his signature this summer.
The report further claims that the defender has a £68m release clause in his current contract but Sporting could accept a fee of around £43m for him as they are ready to let him leave to take the next step in his career. So, Arsenal can manage to purchase him for a discount fee if they formalise their interest.
Diomande enjoyed a stellar campaign last term, winning the Liga Portugal and the AFCON. He is a highly talented player and could become a top-class defender in future.
He is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet, efficient in defensive contributions and also reads the game well. So, he could be a shrewd signing for Arsenal if they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually opt to secure his signature in the upcoming transfer window to reinforce their backline.
