Massive Arsenal boost in €80m transfer race as main rival withdraws

Arsenal have received a big boost as Crystal Palace have withdrawn from the race to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande.

The Ivory Coast international continues to be a player who is never not being linked with a transfer. Since joining Sporting CP in January 2023, Diomande has been constantly associated with Premier League clubs.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool have all been linked with the 22-year-old in the past, and recent rumours have yet again named the Gunners as potential suitors, despite being well stocked at centre-back.

The most concrete interest in recent months has, however, emanated from a different part of London. Crystal Palace have held a well-publicised interest in the young defender since at least the summer.

Diomande was earmarked as the perfect replacement for captain Marc Guehi, but the Eagles failed to strike a deal with Sporting in two successive windows, and they are now ready to give up.

Arsenal with free run at Diomande?

The extension puts the Lisbon giants in a strong position to demand that suitors trigger his clause. Previously, it was suggested that Diomande could be signed for €50m to €60m, but this is no longer the case.

As a result, Crystal Palace are ready to give up their pursuit of the Ivorian and focus on different targets. Adding a centre-back remains a priority despite the possibility that the Eagles’ next managerial appointment could be someone who does not play with a back three.

This is a big boost for Arsenal, should they indeed be interested in Diomande, but they likely will not have a free run at him in the summer. More suitors will emerge in the final months of the season, although his Sporting extension means that only affluent clubs like the Gunners will be able to afford him.

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