Arsenal plot first January transfer after bid rejected as release clause emerges
The summer transfer window only closed less than a fortnight ago but Arsenal appear to already have plans in place for when it opens again in January.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be preparing to revive interest in Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande at the turn of the calendar year. Multiple reports claim that the teenage Ivorian has a release clause inserted into his deal with the Portuguese giants worth around £69million.
As per Record, Arsenal are rumoured to have submitted a £30m bid for his signature in the summer but it was swiftly rejected That rejection hasn't deterred Arteta from coming back in for Diomande, who is highly thought of by a number of European football's biggest clubs.
All three of Juventus, Monaco and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the young centre-back. Surprisingly, Diomande only 13 made Primeira Liga appearances last season but has evidently made quite the impression in that time.
His recent debut for Ivory Coast at senior level is likely to have only increased the amount of suitors he has. The Gunners had a sensational window, one that saw them smash their previous record fee when they landed the signature of Declan Rice for £105m.
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Former West Ham captain Rice was not the only big-money move made by Arsenal, with both Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also arriving for a combined fee of £103m. Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has joined on loan, though it is widely expected the move will be made permanent come the end of the campaign.
But Arteta remains keen on strengthening, such is his desire to try and close the gap between his Arsenal side and reigning champions Manchester City. The Gunners have a plethora of talent within their backline, including William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Benjamin White, but Diomande would represent a player for the future, one that can learn from the handful of more experienced internationals in front of him.
Summer signing Timber sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury 48 minutes into his competitive debut and will be ruled out for the majority of the season, while Rob Holding has since departed for Crystal Palace.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Arsenal activate Diomande's release clause in January? Comment below
Ousmane Diomande is admired by Arsenal (Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)Diomande only joined Sporting in January of this year, but has prior experience of Portuguese football from his loan spell with Mafra when he was on the books of Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.
Traditionally, the biggest transfers are conducted in the summer, but Arteta's Arsenal have shown they are not afraid to dip into their pockets mid-way through the season. Just last term, the Gunners signed both Leandro Trossard from Brighton, Jakub Kiwior from Spezia and Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea.
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