Exclusive: Arsenal follow £68 million star keen on a move to the Premier League – Caught offside

Arsenal are believed to be one of the clubs eyeing Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande this summer, as he has been tempted by the prospect of a move to the Premier League.

This has been reported by sources with a good understanding of the situation CaughtOffside that Arsenal are standing alongside Manchester City and Newcastle in “monitoring” Diomande, although he is not seen as an urgent priority for those clubs.

The talented 19-year-old is highly regarded across Europe and clubs from other major leagues are also monitoring his progress, but Sporting will likely insist that his £68m release clause be paid in full to let him go.

Diomande is under contract with the Portuguese giants until 2027, so there is little pressure to cash in now, even though CaughtOffside understands he is tempted by the idea of ​​moving to the Premier League.

Arsenal’s current priority in defense is Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber, so Diomande would probably only be considered if that deal fell through, otherwise he will probably be someone to watch more closely in the future.

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Diomande also fits the profile of the player Newcastle is looking to sign, but their tight budget means paying his £68m buyout clause this summer isn’t an option for them.

While the young Ivorian is believed to be happy at Sporting and has no intention of forcing a transfer, he is aware that English clubs are interested in him and would like the chance to move there in the future to move.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea and are approaching a definitive agreement with West Ham for Declan Rice. Contacts with Jurrien Timber are ongoing and moving in a positive direction, although interest in fullbacks Joao Cancelo and Ivan Fresneda appears to have cooled for now.

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