Arsenal lead the race for Viktor Gyokeres and Ousmane Diomande in a major jolt to Chelsea
In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunner to secure the signatures of two highly coveted Sporting CP stars, striker Viktor Gyokeres and centre-back Ousmane Diomande. The Gunners’ pursuit of the duo has thrown a wrench in Chelsea’s plans, as the Blues had also been eyeing a double swoop for the talented pair.
According to Portuguese transfer expert Pedro Sepulveda via The Express, Arsenal are currently “leading the race” to land both Gyokeres and Diomande, dealing a significant blow to Chelsea’s ambitions in the transfer market. While Chelsea had made official contact over Diomande, Sporting’s reluctance to negotiate terms has shifted the balance in Arsenal’s favour.
Gyokeres, in particular, has been a revelation in the current season, showcasing his prolific goal-scoring prowess with 36 goals in just 41 club appearances. The Swedish forward’s stellar form has attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United, but his release clause of £87m ensures that Sporting holds all the cards in any potential transfer negotiations.
On the other hand, Diomande, the Ivorian international, has also caught the eye with his performances at Sporting. Despite his cameo role in Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph, Diomande’s impressive displays against Arsenal, unironically, in the Europa League last season have not gone unnoticed. With his contract running until 2027 (Transfermarkt), Sporting holds significant leverage in any transfer discussions.
For Arsenal, the potential acquisitions of Gyokeres and Diomande represent a significant step in manager Mikel Arteta’s quest to bolster his squad with top-quality reinforcements. The Gunners have long been searching for a prolific goal-scorer to propel them to greater heights, and Gyokeres fits the bill perfectly. Additionally, Diomande’s defensive prowess could provide stability to Arsenal’s backline, addressing a key area of concern for Arteta.
Meanwhile, Chelsea find themselves in a precarious position, with Financial Fair Play constraints complicating their pursuit of new signings. Owner Todd Boehly may need to offload several players to fund any potential moves, making Arsenal’s swoop for Gyokeres and Diomande all the more frustrating for the Blues.
With Sporting standing firm on their valuation of the duo, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Chelsea for that matter, can successfully navigate the negotiations and clinch the signings of two of the Primeira Liga’s most sought-after talents.
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