Romano reveals the truth behind Arsenal's Diomande links

Tom Weber

• Updated: 26 Mar 2024 10:42 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Arsenal's interest in Ousmane Diomande.

The Sporting CP centre-back has become one of Europe's most in-demand players over the past year and his performances have earned him links to some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Fitted with an €80 million release clause, the Ivorian wouldn't come cheap in the event of a move but transfer interest in his services is heating up. The 20-year-old is once again impressing this season with Ruben Amorim's side and the Premier League's elite is taking note.

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Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily linked with Diomande in recent months and a report last week suggested that Sporting are braced for the defender's summer exit. However, Fabrizio Romano has now sought to play down the Gunners' links with Diomande.

Romano on Diomande

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano said of Arsenal's supposed interest in the Ivorian: "[Viktor] Gyokeres’ Sporting teammate Ousmane Diomande has also been linked with the Gunners very strongly by some sections of the Portuguese press, so what’s really going on with this one?”

“I think this story is coming out because Arsenal sent their scouts regularly to follow players in Portugal, like Gyokeres who’s one of the players they have been following for a long time. On Diomande, however, I’m not aware of talks or negotiations yet; but there are really many clubs interested, so we’re absolutely far from a solution/negotiation or anything close or concrete yet.”

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Gyokeres is Arsenal's top striker target for the summer, as revealed by FootballTransfers. It seems the Gunners aren't quite as keen on Diomande, however. This is potentially great news for Chelsea, who are in the market for a long-term replacement for veteran defender Thiago Silva. This saga will certainly be one to watch in the coming weeks and months.