Arsenal’s search for a long-term defensive reinforcement has identified Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande as a prime target.

The Gunners have tracked the Ivorian centre-back’s progress for months, with their interest escalating steadily.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline and the latest developments in this potential transfer.

TOPSHOT - Atalanta's Italian forward #90 Gianluca Scamacca (R) fights for the ball with Sporting Lisbon's Ivorian defender #26 Ousmane Diomande during the UEFA Europa League last 16 second leg football match between Atalanta and Sporting CP at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium in Bergamo on March 14, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Atalanta’s Italian forward #90 Gianluca Scamacca (R) fights for the ball with Sporting Lisbon’s Ivorian defender #26 Ousmane Diomande during the UEFA Europa League last 16 second leg football match between Atalanta and Sporting CP at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Stadium in Bergamo on March 14, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s pursuit of Ousmane Diomande: A transfer saga unfolds

Early scouting missions (December 2023 – January 2024)

Sporting's Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on May 21, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting’s Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on May 21, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Reports of Arsenal’s interest in Diomande first surfaced in December 2023. Initial links suggested the Gunners were keeping tabs on the defender, with scouts sent to watch his performances for Sporting CP. His standout showing at the 2023 AFCON tournament further fuelled Arsenal’s interest.

Interest confirmed (January 2024)

Links continued through 2023 with his name appearing in stories connecting him to Arsenal in July, September, October, and December. By January 2024, Arsenal’s pursuit of Diomande was no longer speculation.

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Reports confirmed their genuine interest in the young centre-back, indicating a potential transfer move in the future. Arsenal even reportedly met with this family.

Competition emerges (March 2024)

Sporting's Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on May 21, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting’s Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on May 21, 2023. (Photo by CARLOS COSTA / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS COSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s interest reportedly intensified in March, alongside interest from Chelsea. This has apparently added urgency to the Gunners’ pursuit, as they aim to secure his signature ahead of a potential bidding war. The Gunners continued to scout Diomande alongside other targets, including striker Viktor Gyökeres.

Tracking continues (April 2024)

Arsenal’s focus on Diomande was evident in reports that emerged this month. Reports indicated the Gunners were still tracking his development and progress with Sporting CP.

Frontrunners for Diomande (April 2024)

By mid-April, Arsenal had emerged as favourites to land Diomande. Their determination to add the talented defender to their ranks apparently putting them in a favourable position to complete the transfer.

Why Diomande?

Ivory Coast's defender #2 Ousmane Diomande reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group A football match between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 13, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ivory Coast’s defender #2 Ousmane Diomande reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group A football match between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 13, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s interest in Diomande is well-founded. The 20-year-old is a rising star in European football, with a blend of physical prowess, composure on the ball, and excellent reading of the game. He possesses the qualities the Gunners need to shore up their defence and build for the future.

The next steps

While the timeline suggests a strong possibility of Diomande joining Arsenal, nothing is certain in the world of football. The Gunners face negotiations with Sporting CP and potential competition from other interested clubs.

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