Arsenal send scouts to AFCON to watch 20-year-old wonderkid from Ivory Coast… with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his squad ahead of Premier League title pursuit

Arsenal have sent scouts to the Africa Cup of Nations to watch their potential next recruit in action.

The competition has provided some memorable matches, with giants Egypt the latest side to be knocked out of the competition after losing on penalties to DR Congo.

Notable Premier League players packed their bags to join up with their national sides in January, with the likes of Chelsea‘s Nicolas Jackson and Liverpool‘s Mo Salah taking part in the tournament.

Arsenal star Thomas Partey was not called up for national duty with Ghana, who have also crashed out of the competition, but remains unavailable for the Gunners due to injury.

It appears that Mikel Arteta‘s side could be preparing to sign another African star to join Partey in London, with scouts present at the tournament to watch one player in particular.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his side in January ahead of a Premier League title charge

Scouts have been sent to watch a player that Arsenal have long-term interest in signing

Having reportedly had a bid of £30million rejected for the player in the summer, this has not put Arsenal off his signing.

20-year-old Ousmane Diomande is one of the highest rated players in world football and Arsenal will not be the only team looking to secure his services.

The defender is believed to have a £69 million release clause in his contract at Sporting and this could be triggered by the Gunners after their latest scouting mission.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal are one of the clubs who have sent scouts to watch the Ivorian at AFCON. 

Despite only making his debut for the African nation in September, Diomonde has been crucial as his side reached the last-16.

They will play Senegal tonight and Arsenal will be watching closely to see how Diomonde can deal with the pressure of coming up against players of Premier Legue quality.

He will battle against Chelsea’s Jackson, a rivalry that we could see in the future if Diomonde is to make the switch to north London.

It remains to be seen as to whether Arsenal would be willing to fork out the money to bring Diomonde to The Emirates before deadline day, with Gabriel and William Saliba forming a stron partnership for Arteta’s defence.

However, this is one to keep an eye on as Diomonde gains recognition in Europe as one of the best young defenders in world football.