Crystal Palace will compete with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the race to sign 21-year-old Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP.

According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back as they prepare to part ways with Marc Guehi. So, the Sporting CP defender has emerged as a target for the South London outfit. However, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are also keen on signing the Ivory Coast international.

How has Ousmane Diomande become a top young defender?

Ousmane Diomande has established himself as one of the world’s best young defenders since joining Sporting CP from FC Midtjylland in January 2023. The 21-year-old has come leaps and bounds in the last two and a half years, becoming a mainstay at the back for his club and country.

The Ivory Coast international has made over 100 appearances thus far for Crystal Palace while chipping in with six goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Diomande’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among the prospective suitors vying for the Ivorian defender’s signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Premier League move on the horizon?

The Sporting CP defender has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is surprising, considering Mikel Arteta has a stacked central defensive unit. So, it is unclear how Diomande fits into the scheme of things at Arsenal. As for Crystal Palace, the Eagles attempted to sign the young Ivorian defender in the summer transfer window before the deal failed to materialise.

However, with Marc Guehi set to leave Crystal Palace next year, they must plan for life after the English international. So, Ousmane Diomande remains on the South London club’s radar. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in the Sporting CP defender makes sense, as Harry Maguire is on the wrong side of 30.

As for Liverpool, the Reds were keen on signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window and came close to signing Marc Guehi. However, a deal did not materialise, and Guehi remains on the Merseyside club’s radar. Meanwhile, the Premier League champions will not put all their eggs in one basket. So, Diomande is a viable target for Liverpool.

Apart from the four clubs, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid are also keen on signing the 21-year-old Ivory Coast international. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Diomande and if Crystal Palace can beat the competition to his signature.