Arsenal could now make an opening bid for a Gabriel and William Saliba “hybrid” in the coming days, according to a report.
Gunners eyeing new centre-back amid Saliba uncertainty
Gabriel has recently reaffirmed his commitment to Mikel Arteta’s project by agreeing a new deal, but Saliba is yet to sign a new contract, amid widespread reports that Real Madrid are interested in signing the Frenchman.
Despite signing AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, Madrid retain an interest in Saliba, with the 24-year-old thought to be a dream signing, and they remain attentive to his contract situation.
As such, while Arteta will surely be determined to keep hold of the centre-back, it may be a wise move to start thinking about potential replacements, and the north Londoners could soon make an opening bid for a Liga Portugal star.
Related
Twist: “Extraordinary” £60m+ star now plans to snub Man Utd to join Arsenal
The Gunners have received a boost in their pursuit of a forward, who Andrea Berta has already held talks to sign.
Indeed, according to a report from A Bola (via Arsenal News), the Gunners may submit a proposal for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande in the coming days, having recently learned that he will be available for a fee below his release clause.
Although Diomande has a £67m release clause in his contract, Sporting recently informed Crystal Palace they would be willing to sanction a departure for £51m, but there are a number of other top clubs in the race for his signature.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich also said to be ‘very attentive’ to the 21-year-old’s situation, highlighting just how highly he is regarded.
Diomande could be a Gabriel and Saliba “hybrid”
Gabriel and Saliba have struck up quite the partnership at the heart of the Arsenal defence, although Jamie Carragher has suggested the France international is not the same when playing alongside Jakub Kiwior.
Carragher said: “I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and he needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels of Virgil van Dijk. Saliba needs Gabriel. Since Gabriel has come out of the team, that’s not the same Saliba I’m watching.”
Given that the two defenders complement each other, it should be exciting news that the Gunners are in the race for Diomande, as he has been described as a “hybrid between Gabriel and Saliba” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.
Despite being just 21-years-old, the Ivorian already has 101 first-team appearances to his name for Sporting, indicating he could slot right into Arteta’s backline, while journalist Zach Lowy has been left very impressed by his performances in the past.
Of course, Arsenal fans will be hoping that Saliba commits his future to the club, but there is no doubt that Diomande could be an exciting long-term heir.
