Arsenal spent over £200million bringing Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and David Raya to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window
Sporting starlet Ousmane Diomande has been linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of next summer. Portuguese outlet Record have stated the Gunners had a £30million offer to sign the 19-year-old turned down before the summer transfer window slammed shut at the start of September.
The report adds that Arsenal have 'promised' to return with an offer to sign the Sporting talent next summer. The Portuguese outfit have reminded interested parties that the 19-year-old has a £69million release clause which can be activated - as talks over a contract renewal are scheduled in the coming weeks.
So, who is Diomande and what could he bring to Arsenal? football.london takes a look...
Diomande is a right-footed centre-back that currently plays for Sporting CP in Portugal. The Ivorian youngster is quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising defenders in Europe after completing a £6.4million move to the Jose Alvalade Stadium in January.
Diomande impressed in the Under-19 League in Denmark when playing for FC Midtjylland which led to Portuguese second tier club CD Mafra signing him on loan for the start of the 2022/23 season. After making 17 appearances in all competitions, he earned a move to Sporting.
The 19-year-old already has European football experience at a young age after competing in the Europa League for Sporting. Diomande predominantly plays as a right centre-back but can also be deployed as an attacking wing-back - similar to that of Ben White.
The youngster is comfortable in possession and can play out from the back - which suits Mikel Arteta's play style at the Emirates
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