Arsenal send scouts to Afcon to watch Ivory Coast wonderkid, 20, ‘with £69million transfer release clause’

ARSENAL have reportedly sent scouts to Afcon to watch a rising star play in the tournament.

The Gunners have got a keen eye on Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

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Arsenal are reportedly interest in signing Ousmane Diomande[/caption]

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Diomande is currently representing Ivory Coast at Afcon[/caption]

The 20-year-old, who plays for Sporting Lisbon, has been catching the attention of some of the biggest teams in Europe.

And according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal are among the heavyweights who are monitoring his progress.

The North London club reportedly launched a £30m bid for Diomande in the summer, only to see it rejected by Sporting.

Arsenal still remain interested in Diomande who joined the Lisbon outfit in January of last year from Danish side Midtjylland for just £10.6m.

If he is to leave the Portuguese giants then it will likely cost much more than his initial price-tag with the youngster reportedly holding a £69m release clause in his contract.

His sky-high value isn’t the only thing that could make a deal difficult for Arsenal either.

Mikel Arteta’s side will also have to battle a number of top teams to secure the services of the Ivorian.

Premier League rivals Chelsea, Newcastle, Man City and Liverpool are all said to be interested in signing Diomande too.

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While European bigwigs Bayern Munich and Juventus have also been linked to the defender.

Diomande has made 21 appearances for Sporting Lisbon this season, netting two goals from the centre of defence.

He gets back underway at Afcon on Saturday when the Elephants play in their quarter-final clash.

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