ARSENAL are reportedly up against fierce competition from four clubs to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande in January.
The Gunners had a £30million approach for the 19-year-old defender turned down during the summer transfer window.
But despite being turned away, Mikel Arteta is said to be really keen on returning for Diomande in January.
The Ivory Coast international joined Sporting last January from FC Midtjylland for just £6.1m, but has already caught the attention of big clubs across Europe.
He played 13 matches in the Portuguese top flight last term and managed to help Sporting finish fourth in the league.
But unfortunately for Arsenal his impressive campaign seems to have had a pretty big impact on his price tag.
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Sporting will only be willing to sell Diomande if a club was to activate his £70m release clause.
Arsenal are alone in the race for his signature with “three or four clubs” also keeping their eye out for Diomande, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano adds that Arsenal would have struggled to sign the teenager last summer as he wasn’t up for sale and his Sporting contract runs until 2027.
Juventus, Manchester City and Monaco have all previously been linked with the Ivorian and could consider a move.
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Arteta already has a depth of high-quality centre-backs in his squad but is considering signing defensive cover after new recruit Jurrain Timber’s ACL injury.
The Dutch ace is set to be sidelined for several months meaning a new addition may be of interest at the Emirates.
Arsenal will travel to Everton on Sunday for their next Premier League match before beginning their Champions League campaign against PSV Eindhoven next Wednesday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
