In a recent print edition, Record claimed that Arsenal may drop their interest in Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande next summer. It has been stated that the Gunners could drop out of the race to sign the Ivory Coast central defender after his recent drop in form at the Portuguese club.
Diomande’s Impressive Season In Portuguese Football
Diomande has managed to catch the eye at times with his performances at the centre of the Portuguese club’s defence. The 20-year-old has banged in a couple of goals and earned one assist in 21 matches for Sporting this season across all fronts.
The Ivory Coast sensation deserves some credit for averaging 1.5 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back after making 91.2% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Portuguese football (stats via whoscored).
Diomande’s current contract at Sporting will expire in the summer of 2027 which could make it tough for the Gunners to recruit him in the summer.
Arsenal May Drop Their Interest In Diomande: Right Call For Mikel Arteta?
Diomande is a tough-tackling defender who can read the danger well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and is a tidy passer of the ball as well. However, the Ivory Coast is still quite inexperienced which might explain his drop in form at Sporting of late.
Still, there is no denying that Diomande would be a great, long-term option for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to consider in the summer. He has the potential to become a world-class player in his position someday.
Thus, it feels like the Gunners are not making the right call if they decide to drop their interest in Diomande. Arteta should rather wait and monitor how he performs over the next few months before deciding on whether to move in for him at the end of this campaign.
At 20, Diomande could go on to become a future star in English football if he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League. Hence, Arsenal should consider changing their stance on signing him in the summer.
