Arsenal keen on beating Manchester United to sign £66 million-rated defender - Reports

Arsenal are determined to beat Manchester United to the services of Ousmane Diomande, according to Record. The Ivorian defender has been outstanding for Sporting since arriving at the club in 2023.

With Ruben Amorim set to take charge as the Red Devils head coach on Monday, November 11, speculation is ripe regarding Diomande's future. It has been speculated that the 20-year-old could follow his manager to Old Trafford as early as January.

Manchester United invested heavily in their backline over the summer, roping in Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui. However, Amorim's preference for a three-man backline could prompt the club to pursue a new defender in 2025.

Recent reports have suggested that the Portuguese manager has his eyes on Diomande. However, Arsenal are in the race for the player as well and are desperate to see him at the Emirates.

The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Ivorian and saw a £30m offer for the player rejected by Sporting last summer. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also in the race for Diomande, who is one of the rising stars in European football.

The young defender is under contract with the Portuguese club until 2027 and reportedly has a £66m release clause. However, Sporting are apparently willing to let him go for less, which will be music for Arsenal's ears. But the presence of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United could give the Red Devils an edge in this race.

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How many goals have Arsenal and Manchester United conceded this season?

Ruben Amorim

Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag last month after a disappointing start to the campaign. While Arsenal have done better than the Red Devils, they are currently in a mini-crisis of their own.

The Gunners have lost ground in the Premier League title race following a run of two wins and two defeats in their last five games. Their defense has taken a hit as well with the north London side conceding 11 times from ten games in the league.

The Red Devils are 13th in the Premier League, where they have conceded 12 goals in 10 games and scored just nine. Only Crystal Palace (8) and Southampton (7) - who are 17th and 20th in the table respectively - have scored fewer goals in the entire league.