Arsenal join Chelsea in race for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly interested in strengthening their defence ahead of next season and both clubs have targeted the same promising centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window. 

Ousmane Diomande, who joined Sporting Lisbon a year ago from Midtjylland in an 11 million euro deal, has been impressing in his first season in the Portuguese top flight, which has led to interest from both Premier League clubs.

The Blues reportedly approached the Portuguese club with a £51m bid for the Ivorian centre-back, but the Gunners have not been left behind and have matched their offer, which is slightly less than Diomande's £68.5m termination clause.

In addition, Newcastle, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also reported to be eyeing a move for the Ivory Coast international, who has made 29 competitive appearances for Sporting this season, 28 of them starts.

 

March 26, 2024