ARSENAL are reportedly already working on a move for a new centre-back after having a bid rejected this summer.
According to Record, The Gunners had a £30million approach for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande turned down during the transfer window.
But despite being turned away, Mikel Arteta is said to be really keen on returning for Diomande next summer.
The 19-year-old joined Sporting last January from FC Midtjylland for just £6.1m, but has already caught the attention of big clubs across Europe.
He played 13 matches in the Portuguese top flight last term and managed to help Sporting finish fourth in the league.
But unfortunately for Arsenal his impressive campaign seems to have had a pretty big impact on his price tag.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
Get £20 in free bets when you stake £5 on football with Ladbrokes
Arsenal fans stunned as ‘future midfield pair’ link up for ‘absurd’ goal
Record have reported that Sporting will only be willing to sell Diomande if a club was to activate his £70m release clause.
Arsenal are unlikely to be a lone horse in the race for his signature with Juventus also said to be interested.
Manchester City and Monaco have also previously been linked with the Ivorian and could reconsider a move.
Arteta already has a depth of high quality centre-backs with the likes of William Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber in his ranks.
Most read in Football
SPEAKING OUT
Antony’s ex shares statement after Man Utd say he won’t return to training
HAMMER BLOW
Liverpool line up raid on West Ham for Aguerd but face competition from City
KISS SHAME
Spain FA chief Rubiales QUITS over World Cup kiss row during Piers interview
OLE IN
Solskjaer ‘contacted over international job’ two years after Man Utd dismissal
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
But a new addition could be the result of interest in those already at Emirates Stadium.
Saudi Arabian clubs were sniffing around Gabriel all summer with some reports suggesting Arsenal had been offered £170m for the Brazilian.
The 25-year-old remains in North London for now, but Saudi Pro League sides could return in January to try and lure him to the Middle East.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates
Source: Read Full Article