Mudryk all over again: Arsenal match Chelsea offer for rising star

Robin Bairner

• 27 Mar 2024 06:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal and Chelsea are set for a battle in the transfer market that could resemble the duel the pair had 18 months ago when they fought over Mykhailo Mudryk.

Chelsea ultimately won that duel, spending €70 million on the winger to sign him from Shakhtar Donetsk.

It had appeared, however, that Mudryk was destined to move to Arsenal, having frequently taken to social media to drop hints over his love on the Gunners.

READ MORE: Saka replacement spotted in Arsenal training

The transfer for the Ukraine ace, who netted the goal on Tuesday that sent his nation to Euro 2024, proved acrimonious and the two London giants are now set for battle again, according to The Sun.

Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande is the player that both teams are chasing ahead of the summer.

Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay €60 million for the player, who has a release clause that is worth €80m. Their offer is said to be in the ballpark that the Portuguese side want if they are to complete a sale but will need to include “significant” bonuses in order for them to accept.

Arsenal, it is stated, are willing to offer a similar sum for the 20-year-old Ivory Coast international, who has exploded onto the scene this season.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

Diomande spotted on Gyokeres mission

According to the report, Arsenal only spotted Diomande when they were on a scouting mission looking at striker Viktor Gyokeres, a player FootballTransfers exclusively revealed is their top option for a No.9 ahead of the summer.

Indeed, it is possible that the Gunners will try to complete a double deal that would see both Diomande and the Sweden international join up at the Emirates ahead of next season, though this would likely cost above €150m.

This double interest could even give Arsenal the edge over Chelsea, with the Gunners eager to avoid the frustration they suffered previously with Mudryk.