Since his arrival, the 20-year-old centre-back has made 46 appearances for Sporting, scoring three goals from his defensive position. He also recently achieved international success with the Ivory Coast team, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in February.
According to reports from Portuguese outlet Record, Arsenal has begun talks with Diomande and his representatives regarding a potential move to North London in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Gunners have indicated their willingness to pay the same £51.4m fee offered by Chelsea for the defender.
Diomande's former club, FC Midtjylland, stands to benefit from any future sale of the player, as they are entitled to receive 20% of the transfer fee. Although Diomande's current contract with Sporting includes a hefty £68.5m release clause, neither Arsenal nor Chelsea seems inclined to meet that valuation for the promising young talent.
