Highly-rated defender prefers Arsenal move to Chelsea this summer

Arsenal are reportedly involved in the race for the highly-rated Ousmane Diomande, with the centre-back favouring a move to north London over Chelsea this summer.

The Gunners are in for a busy window ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, although centre-half isn't regarded as a priority position of need. Mikel Arteta will look to bolster his frontline and reshuffle his midfield, but Arsenal are blessed with two standout centre-backs in William Saliba and Gabriel.

Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior are also capable of filling it at the heart of Arsenal's defence.

Still, that won't stop the transfer rumour mills from churning!

Highly-rated defender prefers Arsenal move to Chelsea this summer

Arsenal have previously been linked with a move for young Ivorian Diomande, and now Portuguese outlet Record (via teamTALK) are reporting that the Gunners have matched Chelsea's £51m offer for the defender.

Diomande, who played against Arsenal in the Europa League last season, has seen his stock rise exponentially since arriving in Portugal from Danish side Midtjylland. The physically imposing centre-back with distinct modern traits is regarded as one of Europe's brightest defensive talents, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him on the move this summer.

As it stands, Sporting CP are hoping an interested party triggers Diomande's £68.6m release clause, but Arsenal and Chelsea believe a deal can be struck for less.

While I can't deny Diomande's talent, this is a move, considering the finances and Arsenal's priorities this summer, that doesn't make much sense. The Gunners are not going to spend in excess of £50m, let alone close to £70m, on a rotational piece. Unless a club pays top dollar for Saliba or Gabriel this summer, Arsenal are not going to splash the cash on Diomande. Their big-money interests lie elsewhere.

Even if Record believe the player would rather join Arsenal this summer, a move to Chelsea is much more feasible with Thiago Silva's future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

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