Premier League arch-rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will go head-to-head apart from just on-field battles this season. As per reports from The Boot Room Football, the Gunners are set to join Spurs in the pursuit of Sporting CP’s highly-rated defender Ousmane Diomande.
The Ivorian defender has been a critical part of Ruben Amorim’s plans during his time in Lisbon. So much that the north London clubs could risk seeing Diomande join Manchester United alongside his former manager if they do not move quickly and decisively.
Similarly, other top European clubs apart from these three Premier League rivals are also interested in the player and will not let anybody have a free run at acquiring his services.
Ousmane Diomande value in today’s market
Quality players are very rare to come by these days, but what is arguably harder is getting good value for money paid to sign any players. Several come with inflated reputations and egos and seldom are able to live up to the hype. Arsenal and other top clubs are wary of these developments and have procedures in place to avoid overpaying for any target.
Having said that, it is important to note that Ousmane Diomande has a release clause of £68 million in his contract with Sporting CP. However, the Portuguese side are believed to be willing to accept lower offers for their player. The same report from TBR Football adds that Sporting will be willing to accepts bids from £42 million onwards as they rate their player highly.
Diomande has joined Sporting just under two years ago from FC Midtjylland and has established himself as a first-team regular in these months in Lisbon. He has already raced to 68 appearances for the club in this short time and has also chipped-in with four goals and one assist.
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Standing at nearly six foot four, Arsenal have their sights set firmly on a player they consider an important target. He is a right-footed defender strong in the air and on the ground, and takes up some good attacking positions as well. Such a profile will make it hard for the Gunners to look away.
