Arsenal send scouts to watch £68m-rated Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande at Africa Cup of Nations – Paper Round

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Ivory Coast star Ousmane Diomande and have sent scouts to watch the youngster in action at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Sporting defender, who has a release clause of £68 million, is also said to be attracting interest from a number of top clubs from around Europe.

“The Ivory Coast youngster is being tracked by a host of top European sides, with Gunners sporting director Edu weighing up whether to beat his rivals to the punch by triggering his release clause.

“The prospects of Arsenal stumping up £68million to prise Diomande away from Sporting before the end of the month are slim. But the north Londoners are among those posturing ahead of a hard-fought transfer battle in the summer.

“Portuguese outlet A Bola claim that Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all keen on the 20-year-old. Arsenal are also involved, and Edu reportedly has eyes on Diomande during his AFCON escapades with Ivory Coast.

“Scouts are believed to be on a ‘special mission’ to compile ‘detailed reports’ on the centre-back, who moved from Danish side Midtjylland to Sporting in a bargain £6.4m deal last year.

“The Portuguese giants are poised to turn a monster profit if their exciting talent continues performing at a high level for the remainder of the season.”

The Gunners are said to have made an enquiry for the 31-year-old last month.

“Barcelona have allowed Roberto’s contract to run down and his current deal is due to expire at the end of the season,” the outlet claims.

“According to AS, Barcelona have ‘no intention’ of renewing Roberto’s contract and the Spaniard is widely expected to leave Camp Nou with Xavi once the current campaign is over.

The report adds that Xavi made a strong case to Barca’s hierarchy about Roberto’s renewal last summer but the Spanish champions ignored their head coach.

The 23-year-old has struggled for game time since his move from Porto in 2022 for a fee of £34 million, making just 45 appearances for the club.

“Monaco have reportedly enquired over taking Vieira on loan until the end of the season,” states the report.

“The Monegasque club see Vieira as the perfect creative midfielder to help them achieve Champions League qualification this season.

“Vieira was linked with an exit to Marseille in November, but Mikel Arteta poured cold water on those reports at the time and said he was pleased with Vieira’s progress.

“Arsenal’s rejection of West Ham’s loan offer for Emile Smith-Rowe could be an indication of Vieira’s future at Arsenal, however, suggesting that he may be above the Portuguese star in Arsenal’s pecking order.”

Several months after leaving Manchester United, David de Gea could be set for a return to football, if reports are to be believed.

The 33-year-old is said to be in discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab, who are also being linked with several high-profile players.

“Bringing in De Gea would mark just the latest transfer coup for Al-Shabab who are signing Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla and have been discussing a move for Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.

“They are also considering Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech who is on loan at Galatasaray.

“Ziyech was allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer with incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino not figuring the Morocco international into his plans.

“The 30-year-old’s involvement since arriving in Turkey has been curtailed by injuries, but he did star in the club’s clash Man United in November, netting twice and notching an assist in the 3-3 draw.”