Arsenal Has Reportedly Matched Chelsea’s £51 Million Offer For The Ivory Coast Defender
Arsenal is reportedly ready to match Chelsea’s £51 million offer for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande. The 20-year-old has emerged as a crucial figure in the starting lineup for the Portuguese powerhouse since his transfer from Danish club FC Midtjylland 14 months ago.
Diomande has made 46 appearances for Sporting since his £11 million move in January 2023, scoring three goals across all competitions from his defensive position.
Recently, the centre-back added an international accolade to his growing list of achievements by winning the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast team in February.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Arsenal has joined the pursuit to secure Diomande’s services during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report suggests that discussions have begun between Mikel Arteta’s team and the player’s representatives in anticipation of a potential transfer to North London later this year.
Arsenal has indicated to Sporting that they are prepared to pay a £51.4 million fee for the defender, matching Chelsea’s offer for the centre-back.
Diomande’s former club, Midtjylland, will be closely monitoring developments, as they are entitled to receive 20% of any future sale of the Ivorian.
Having signed his contract at Estadio Jose Alvalade just over a year ago, the seven-time international currently has a £68.5 million release clause.
At this juncture, neither Arsenal nor Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea are inclined to meet that amount for the promising 20-year-old.
Chelsea are bracing themselves for the departure of defender Thiago Silva, who will reach his 40th birthday at the end of September.
In addition to Diomande, the club from West London is reportedly eyeing Lille’s Leny Yoro as a potential replacement for Silva.
Sporting Lisbon is facing a significant challenge in retaining some of their key assets this summer, with striker Viktor Gyokeres also attracting interest from clubs across Europe, including Chelsea.
Since his arrival from Coventry City last summer, the imposing Swedish forward has scored 22 goals in 24 league appearances, putting him at the top of the Primeira Liga’s Golden Boot race.
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