Arsenal’s search for defensive reinforcements could lead them to Sporting Lisbon’s highly-rated centre-back, Ousmane Diomande.

However, the Gunners will face stiff competition for the 20-year-old’s signature, with reports suggesting strong interest from Chelsea and Juventus.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 5: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP in action during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park on August 5, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 5: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP in action during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park on August 5, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Arsenal, along with Serie A giant Juventus—who view Diomande as a potential replacement for Bremer—are closely monitoring the player.

Sporting Lisbon signed Diomande for €7.5m in January 2023 from FC Midtjylland and have since turned down significantly higher offers, safeguarding the player with an €80m release clause. This price tag represents the substantial profit Sporting aims to gain.

Arsenal is said to be on ‘high alert’, especially since a report from Record suggests that the competition for Diomande is intensifying, meaning Arsenal may need to invest heavily to bring the defender into Mikel Arteta‘s team for next season.

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)

According to another report, Chelsea appear to be gaining the upper hand in the race to sign Ousmane Diomande. The Blues have reportedly made contact with the player’s representatives and are willing to meet Sporting‘s €60 million asking price, potentially going as high as €80 million with bonuses. This puts them ahead of Arsenal, Juevntus, and Newcastle United in the pursuit of the 20-year-old.

While Chelsea‘s interest in Ousmane Diomande seems genuine, their current financial situation might make such a significant expenditure difficult without selling other players.

This could leave the door open for Arsenal to re-enter the bidding if they can match or exceed Chelsea‘s potential offer.