Ousmane transfer news: Arsenal, Chelsea among Premier League clubs ready to battle for Diomande's signature this summer

London rivals Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Chelsea are reportedly set to lock horns this summer for the signature of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international, who is worth €45 million in the market, may leave Lisbon this summer provided one of the London clubs comes up with a lucrative offer. His current deal is valid until 2027.

 

Ousmane Diomande has already won an Africa Cup of Nations, Portuguese Cup, and two league titles, and is regarded as someone with the potential to become one of the best defenders of the next decade. The Ivorian started his career with OS Abobo back home before being scouted to the under-19 side of Danish club FC Midtjylland. 

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After breaking into the senior side of the Scandinavian club, he spent a loan spell with Portugal's Clube Desportivo de Mafra. Being spotted by the second-tier team was crucial for Diomande, as it was his 17 appearances for the club that caught the attention of Sporting, which was then managed by current Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim. Sporting sealed the deal for an initial fee of €7.5 million in January 2023. The deal also included add‑ons, including a 20% sell-on clause in favour of Midtjylland, reports said.

Who is Ousmane Diomande?

The 6ft 2in right-footed centre-back is often praised for his progressive passes and ball-carrying skills. His ball recovery and duel wins are also noteworthy. During the Ruben Amorim era at Sporting, Diomande often played the ball out from the back. He also helped drive the team forward. Football analysts have said that he makes up for what he lacks in aerial superiority and heading ability with his defensive discipline and capacity to switch play.

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According to reports, Palace are slightly behind Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign the defender. CaughtOffside said in a report that it was Arsenal's scouts who started tracking him first a few months ago. 

 

While Chelsea is rebranding itself with a new project under Enzo Maresca, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are desperate to end their trophy drought. However, the presence of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães at the Emirates means Diomande is unlikely to be a first-choice starter for Arteta. This might give Chelsea an advantage in the talks, as they can offer him guaranteed playing time, reports said. Diomande, who made nine Champions League appearances this past season for Sporting may also consider the fact that both Arsenal and Chelsea got a better chance at glory than his current employer.

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