Jumping the queue! Arsenal lodge 'early bid' for £69m-rated Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande to steal a march on transfer rivals
Arsenal have already placed a bid to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande to fend off competition in the transfer market.
WHAT HAPPENED? With several clubs showing interest in signing Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, Arsenal have decided to jump the queue as they have already placed a bid worth €35m (£30m), according to Record.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Despite the Gunners' eagerness to seal a deal as soon as possible, the Portuguese club is not ready to part with their star player unless his release clause of €80m (£69m) is triggered. As a result, the Premier League giants' initial bid has been rejected. In fact, Sporting are now contemplating offering a new deal to Diamonde whose current contract expires in 2027.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT? Mikel Arteta's side will next lock horns against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash on Sunday.
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