Mikel Arteta’s interest in a new tempting option has undoubtedly piqued Arsenal’s desire to make a significant purchase once more.
Arsenal is bringing in who this summer?
The most recent comes from the Portuguese publication Record (via Sport Witness), which claims that the Gunners will likely make an offer for Sporting CP giant Ousmane Diomande soon.
While they had noted that his €80 million (£69 million) release clause remained the obstacle to entry with regard to such a deal, this idea has since changed to suggest that, despite the numerous European clubs pursuing the center-back, a ‘tempting offer’ will be made. Juventus has also made a push for his signature in addition to the north London team.
The Portuguese club might be tempted to let their teenage defensive stalwart leave for less than their initial demands in response to the proposed offer, which could arrive soon. The only team mentioned in the most recent report is Arteta’s team.
Ousmane Diomande, who is he?
In 2020, Diomande relocated from his native Ivory Coast to join FC Midtjylland. He quickly gained recognition after coming up through the club’s youth academy. The Lions swooped after a brief loan to Mafra, a Liga Portugal 2 participant.
They enticed the titan, who is now 19 years old, and he has only grown stronger since then.
Despite his raw physicality, the 6 foot 3 teenager has since established himself as one of Europe’s most iconic ball-playing defenders, shining with the ball at his feet.
The traits that have given him such a bright future are evident to all, despite the fact that he only appeared 13 times in the Primeira Liga last season. In light of the fact that it was his first season in the Portuguese top division, according to Sofascore, his 6.88 average rating decreased to 1.7 tackles and 1.8 clearances per game.
Although good, this is not what has caused his price tag to soar to such enticing levels.
According to FBref, the imperious ace ranks in the top 1% of centre backs in Europe for passes attempted per 90, passes completed per 90, passes that progress over time per 90, and passes that progress over time per 90 carries.
It was expected that scout Jacek Kulig would be so effusive in his praise of the star, as he noted:
“Players with such superior ball-playing and pure defending skills are uncommon to see. Although there could be some tactical improvements, I have no doubt that this youngster will play for some of the world’s top teams. elite talent’s telltale signs.
He has the physical tools to continue dominating for some time to come thanks to his enormous frame, which is often a good teacher for defensive excellence and anticipation.
But in the current state of football, the ability and swagger to forge chances from deep while strolling out of defence is a quality that is so prized.
Particularly in light of the ethos Arteta has developed at the Emirates, with Jurrien Timber standing out as the ideal representative of that ethos.
In fact, the Dutch international placed in the top 1% for each of the aforementioned categories that make the Sporting youngster so coveted when measured against the same group as Diomande.
This dynamic duo would easily support a system that changes with each new season, whether they were paired together at centre back or with one at full back.
A partnership that lasts for the next ten years and aids in the implementation of a possession-dominant system that one day might dethrone Manchester City is possible with the help of a 22-year-old with such experience punching balls out from the back and a teenage titan who has experienced a meteoric rise to the top.
