One of the Premier League's biggest clubs has now reportedly entered into negotiations to sign a R2 billion-rated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner.
With the current campaign approaching its final stretch, many teams have already begun preparing for next season.
Among them are Premier League title challengers Arsenal, who are now said to have identified their first transfer target for next term.
According to Portuguese publication Record, the Gunners have entered into negotiations with Sporting CP over a potential move for their centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
The defender starred for the AFCON-winning Ivory Coast side in January and February, helping his country to one of the most unlikely triumphs on home soil.
It is claimed Sporting want a fee of €100 million (R2 billion) for the 20-year-old, but Arsenal are only willing to pay €60 million (R1.2 billion), matching a bid by another interested party, Chelsea.
It is further suggested that the Portuguese giants could yet agree to lower their asking price, with agreements over payment structures and clauses expected to be an integral part of the proposed deal.
Diomande is one of the most highly-rated young defenders In Europe right now, with reports in England suggesting that Mikel Arteta is looking to add depth to his squad and have highly competent cover for his preferred centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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