Arsenal have reportedly made an African star one of their priority signings for the next transfer window.
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The Gunners have just come off a massive window, during which they recruited the likes of Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, David Raya and new club record acquisition Declan Rice for a reported €116 million (R2.3 billion).
According to Portuguese publication Record, however, Mikel Arteta was keen on adding another signing to that list, Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande.
The Gunners are believed to have submitted a bid in the region of £30 million (R708 million) for the teenage sensation, but that was immediately rebuffed by the Lions.
That has, however, not deterred the north Londoners from continuing their pursuit of the Ivorian as the same report claims they will be returning in the January window to try and lure the Abidjan native to the Emirates Stadium.
At 19, Diomande is not tremendously experienced, having only played 21 matches for the Primeira Liga giants since joining them in January this year.
However, it seems he has done enough in those appearances, two of which came against the Premier League juggernauts, to convince Arteta he has the capabilities to succeed the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel long-term in the Arsenal backline.
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Manchester United, Juventus and Monaco are also said to be interested in Diomande, but with the 13-time English champions showing they are not shy to spend mid-season in the previous campaign, they are currently being regarded as the favourites to land the west African defender.
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