Several European clubs, led by Arsenal, are hot on the tail of youthful Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande.
The 20-year-old Sporting CP center-back continues to lure several clubs led by the Gunners. Arsenal even sent scouts to monitor Diomande’s stint with the Ivorian team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Gunners sporting director Edu is weighing his options as the club seeks to “beat his rivals to the punch,” according to a report from Express. However, Diomande has a release clause of £68 million for European clubs to acquire him.
Aside from Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus, and Bayern Munich are also interested in Diomande. Sporting acquired the center-back from Danish side Midtjylland in a £6.4-million deal last year.
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The 6-foot-3 Abidjan native has proven his mettle internationally by claiming a spot with the Ivorian team. Diomande made the squad ahead of Bayer Leverkusen star Odilon Kossounou.
Arsenal scouts will get a chance to watch Diomande when Ivory Coast faces Senegal in the AFCON round of 16. The center-back is also expected to be tested against some of Senegal’s top players, including star forward Sadio Mane.
