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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has begun laying the groundwork for an aggressive summer transfer campaign, with top-tier talent firmly in the club’s sights. The Gunners are prioritising attacking reinforcements, but defensive targets are also being pursued as Mikel Arteta aims to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours next season.
Following another near-miss in the Premier League title race, Arteta and his recruitment team are focused on addressing one of the key shortcomings of the current squad: the absence of a natural goal scorer. Identifying and signing a proven No. 9 is seen as essential, and the club is actively working to bring in high-calibre forwards ahead of the new campaign.
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However, Arsenal are also exploring options to strengthen the defensive line, with injuries and squad depth issues exposing vulnerabilities during the season. According to Record, Berta has dispatched the club’s chief scout to monitor Ousmane Diomande, a highly-rated centre-back currently playing for Sporting CP.
Viktor Gyokeres with Ousmane Diomande (Image credit: Getty Images)The 21-year-old Ivorian defender has been in standout form this season, earning plaudits for his defensive maturity and composure on the ball. Diomande’s profile fits Arsenal’s blueprint of targeting young, high-potential players who can compete for starting roles and contribute to the team’s long-term success.
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Diomande is understood to have a £67 million release clause, but Arsenal remain hopeful of negotiating a deal at a lower price. His arrival would not only strengthen Arteta’s back line but also add much-needed depth ahead of a season in which the Gunners are expected to compete on multiple fronts, including the Champions League.
Arsenal’s interest in Diomande comes amid ongoing efforts to sign his Sporting teammate, Viktor Gyökeres, a prolific striker who has emerged as one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards. Berta is believed to be working behind the scenes to bring both players to the Emirates as part of a wider recruitment drive aimed at transforming Arsenal from title challengers into serial winners.
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