In a recent report, O Jogo (16 November, Page 16) revealed that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting CP defender Ousmande Diomande. It has been stated that the Gunners are hoping to acquire the services of the Ivory Coast centre-back.
Diomande’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football
Diomande is enjoying a decent campaign at the Portuguese club after he put in a run of impressive displays at the heart of their defence. The 19-year-old has featured in 16 matches for Sporting this season, scoring two goals and earning one assist in the process across all competitions.
The 19-year-old has been a rock at the back for the Portuguese outfit as he is averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.6 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from inside his half based on his pass completion rate of 89.8% in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Sporting will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it difficult for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap next year. However, Mikel Arteta would be wise to get a deal done for him in the future.
Is Diomande A Good Fit For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Diomande is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot. Furthermore, the Ivory Coast sensation excels at playing his way out from the back.
We can expect Diomande to bring more bite and steel to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s defence. He has what it takes to help the North London club challenge across all fronts in the future.
However, there are some concerns over whether the Ivory Coast talent can cope with the physical nature and high intensity of English football. Still, there is no denying that Diomande has the skillset to be a success story at the Emirates Stadium in the long run. Hence, he would be a good fit for Arsenal‘s needs at the moment as they look to compete for some major silverware in the coming years.
