Arsenal and Chelsea make approach for Sporting CP superstar

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 Nov 2024 15:37 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are battling for Ousmane Diomande, according to Portuguese media.

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The Sporting CP centre-back has been a reliable option for Ruben Amorim since joining the club in January 2023. Despite his youth, the 20-year-old has been a guaranteed starter under the Man Utd-bound tactician and enchanted Europe's biggest clubs.

Diomande is frequently linked with a departure from Lisbon, but an €80 million release clause has so far made it difficult for clubs to open talks, with Sporting using that figure as a benchmark.

Indeed, Record reports that both Arsenal and Chelsea have made approaches that were swiftly rejected by Sporting. Those two clubs, in particular, have been linked with the Ivorian for well over a year.

However, the two Premier League heavyweights aren't the only ones keeping a keen eye on Diomande.

Bayern intensify efforts

The above-mentioned outlet also reports that Bayern Munich are 'probing' whether a move for the defender is feasible. The Bavarians have intensified their efforts in hopes of beating Premier League suitors to the punch.

Sporting have yet to receive any formal offer, but the interest from Arsenal, Bayern and Chelsea is described as 'serious,' with scouts regularly in attendance.

Indeed, FootballTransfers revealed on Wednesday that Arsenal scouts were at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday to watch Viktor Gyokeres against Man City. Diomande will certainly also have caught their eye.

Sporting are still playing hardball regarding his price but are said to be aware of the fact that it is unlikely that anyone will trigger his release clause, similar to Gyokeres'.

The latter publically complained about his inflated €100m price tag earlier in the season and Sporting agreed to let the Swede leave for €60m-€70m next summer. It remains to be seen if they're willing to reach a similar compromise with Diomande.