- Arsenal's initial bid for Diamonde rejected
- Sporting values Diamonde at €80m (£69m)
- Want to offer the defender a new deal
WHAT HAPPENED? With several clubs showing interest in signing Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, Arsenal have decided to jump the queue as they have already placed a bid worth €35m (£30m), according to Record.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Despite the Gunners' eagerness to seal a deal as soon as possible, the Portuguese club is not ready to part with their star player unless his release clause of €80m (£69m) is triggered. As a result, the Premier League giants' initial bid has been rejected. In fact, Sporting are now contemplating offering a new deal to Diamonde whose current contract expires in 2027.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
![Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2023-24](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt2d8412bfa519c616/GettyImages-1692601266.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
![Ruben Amorim Sporting CP 2022-23](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltd01fda167da38b00/GettyImages-1247947930.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT NEXT? Mikel Arteta's side will next lock horns against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash on Sunday.