Premier League side Aston Villa are interested in Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomande, who currently plays for Sporting CP in Portugal.
However, it seems that Aston Villa will face stiff competition for his signature. The presence of top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool in the race could make this transfer quite difficult.
The 21-year-old rising star has delivered some outstanding defensive performances for Sporting this season. In addition, he has scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist.
In the league, he has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 2.5 clearances, and 1.2 shots per game. He has also been very effective in building play from the back, boasting an impressive pass accuracy of 94.3%.
Diomande is highly skilled at winning the ball and is not afraid to make crucial interventions. When under pressure, he is capable of clearing the ball effectively. Standing at 1.90 meters, he has a strong physical presence and excels in aerial duels.
The player is under contract until 2027 with the Portuguese club, which means Sporting may demand a significant offer for his services. If Aston Villa manage to complete the transfer, their defense would gain more grit and resilience.
Still, whether Diomande can handle the high pace and intensity of the Premier League remains to be seen if the move goes through.