Newcastle United are reportedly ready to pay €80 million to sign Ousmane Diomande

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies lead the race to sign the Sporting CP defender, as they are ready to pay €80 million to sign him. The youngster is also a target for European bigwigs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.

The Rise of Ousmane Diomande

Ousmane Diomande has become one of the most highly sought-after defenders in the world since joining Sporting CP from Midtjylland in January 2023. The 20-year-old has come leaps and bounds in the last 12 months, becoming a pivotal figure for the Portuguese outfit.

The Ivory Coast international has turned out 38 times thus far for Sporting CP, chipping in with three goals and one assist. He has played a key role in Sporting’s rise to the top of Liga Portugal. Diomande’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Real Madrid’s interest in Ousmane Diomande is understandable, considering Nacho, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger are on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Nacho might leave Real Madrid in the summer if the Merengues do not extend his contract. So, it behoves Los Blancos to sign a centre-back

As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta wants a long-term partner for William Saliba, with Diomande emerging as a viable target. The 20-year-old also features on Chelsea’s radar, with the Blues keen on beating the competition to his signature. But Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid face a losing battle against Newcastle United.

Will Newcastle United Sign Diomande?

The report claims that the Magpies are the front-runners to sign Ousmane Diomande. They are ready to shell out €80 million to secure the youngster’s services. The right-footed Ivorian centre-back can be Sven Botman’s long-term central defensive partner. So, it is hardly surprising that Newcastle United want to sign him.

It will be interesting to see if Newcastle United can beat the competition to sign the €80 million-rated centre-back. But Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid will unlikely go down without a fight in the battle for Diomande’s signature.