Newcastle United could be set for a transfer battle with Arsenal over one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects.
According to a report from Defensa Central, Arsenal are now exploring a summer move for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande as a potential replacement for William Saliba, who has been strongly linked with a switch to Real Madrid. That development could have major implications for Newcastle’s long-standing interest in the 21-year-old.
The Magpies have identified Diomande as a dream partner for Sven Botman at the heart of defence, and with the need to bolster the back line after an injury-plagued season, Diomande’s profile fits Newcastle’s recruitment model perfectly — young, elite potential, and ready for the Premier League.
Arsenal read to fight Newcastle for €80m Sporting defender
Valued at €80 million, Diomande is not a cheap option, but he is precisely the kind of signing that could elevate Newcastle’s defensive line to a new level. Quick across the ground, comfortable in possession, and dominant in the air, the Sporting CP star has emerged as one of the finest young centre-backs in European football.
Eddie Howe is looking to rebuild the back four with future title challenges in mind, and Diomande is seen as a player capable of growing into a Premier League leader. With Fabian Schär turning 33 next season and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined until 2025, reinforcements are urgently needed.
Diomande would not just be a depth signing — he would walk into the starting XI.
Newcastle are not alone in chasing the Ivorian international. Arsenal are actively preparing for life without Saliba, and Mikel Arteta sees Diomande as a high-upside replacement. Chelsea, too, are lurking in the background, with their defence likely to undergo changes in the coming window.
All three clubs — Newcastle, Arsenal, and Chelsea — have the financial power to pay the €80 million price tag, but Diomande’s final decision may come down to the clarity of the project.
For Newcastle, the pitch is simple: Be part of something historic. Join a team on the rise, led by a progressive manager and a city that lives and breathes football.
If the Magpies want to avoid losing another key target to a traditional top-six rival, the time to act is now.