Newcastle United are going to be competing with Arsenal for one of Europe’s brightest centre-back talents this summer.
Eddie Howe is looking to add a centre-back to his Newcastle United squad when the summer transfer window opens, and he is even more desperate for reinforcements in that position following Sven Botman‘s injury.
The 24-year-old could be missing for nine months due to an ACL injury, which has increased the need for the Magpies to sign a top level centre-back ahead of the 2024/25 season.
One man who falls into that category is Sporting wonderkid Ousmane Diomande. The 20-year-old has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world, which is why the top clubs are all chasing him.
That includes Newcastle United, and journalist Graeme Bailey recently told Geordie Boot Boys that he thinks Diomande could be the defender that arrives at St James’ Park this summer.
That would be perfect for Eddie Howe, who will be delighted by news that the Ivory Coast international could be on the move this summer.
Newcastle target Ousmane Diomande could now leave Sporting this summer
That is according to Record, who state that there is a strong possibility that Diomande leaves Sporting at the end of the current season.
Record mention Newcastle United as a potential suitor, while they also have details of Arsenal getting their ducks in a row ahead of a summer move.
The Portuguese outlet claims that Mikel Arteta wants the Arsenal board to sign Diomande, and that Sporting and the player’s representatives have already been contacted about negotiating a deal with the Gunners in the coming months.
Arsenal’s transfer intent is bad news for Newcastle
Diomande might be perfect for Newcastle, but the fact that Arsenal are already making their move has to be massively concerning.
It could result in us missing out, as unfortunately a move to the Emirates Stadium would be much more appealing for a player who has a release clause worth £69million.
While Newcastle are a club on the up who are aiming to reach the top, the Arsenal project is much further along. They are challenging for the Premier League title and could very much win it this season, while they are going to qualify for the Champions League again.
That could be enough to see the Magpies miss out on Diomande, which would be a great shame given his clear potential.
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