Pep Guardiola of Manchester City expressed frustration after Arsenal sealed a substantial £155 million dual deal for Ousmane Diomande and Viktor Gyokeres, disrupting City’s plans.
Guardiola revealed his annoyance, suggesting Arsenal strategically waited for his scouting of Diomande before presenting a substantial offer, a tactic typical of the Gunners.
Diomande, a highly sought-after 20-year-old defender from Sporting, has garnered attention in the Premier League due to his tenacity, aerial prowess, and adeptness in playing from the back.
Arsenal, initially proposing £30 million, is determined to secure Diomande, with Manager Mikel Arteta admiring the player since his breakthrough at FC Midtjylland.
Despite competition from Manchester City and Newcastle United, Arsenal appears to be leading the race for Diomande.
Arsenal is also eyeing Sporting’s forward Gyokeres, who boasts an impressive 15 goals in 18 matches this season. Gyokeres, who excelled at Coventry City last season, emerges as a potential striking option for Arsenal, challenging their current No. 9, Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners’ interest in both players reflects their aspirations to enhance both defensive and offensive prowess.
Sporting insists on full release clause payments for mid-season transfers, with Gyokeres’ clause set at €100 million (£86 million) and Diomande’s at €80 million (£69 million). This means Arsenal would have to invest a hefty £155 million to secure both talents in the upcoming transfer window.
While Sporting emphasizes its reluctance to sell in January, Arsenal remains determined to add this promising duo to their roster, disrupting Manchester City’s plans in the process.
