Sporting Lisbon sign Arsenal, Man City-linked Ousmane Diomande

Sporting Lisbon have confirmed the signing of Arsenal and Manchester City target Ousmane Diomande.

The centre-back has spent the first half of the 2022-23 season on loan in the Portuguese second tier with Mafra, on loan from FC Midtjylland.

Diomande has made 17 appearances for the Portuguese club, scoring one goal and registering one assist.

The 19-year-old's performances reportedly impressed the likes of Arsenal and Man City, who were keeping tabs on his development.

Sporting Lisbon have also been monitoring Diomande's situation, and they have managed to complete a transfer on deadline day.

Diomande has signed a deal with Ruben Amorim's side until June 2027, with his contract containing a release clause of £70.5m.

The youngster did not make an appearance for the Midtjylland first team, and the Danish club were expected to bring him into the squad for next season.

However, Midtjylland's sporting director Svend Graversen described Diomande's situation as being a "unique case".

Graversen said: "Normally the aim is for our loaned players to take some steps and then return to FCM, but in this case it is a unique case where Ousmane's development has been accelerated in an unusual way."

Sporting are also expected to sign Hector Bellerin as a replacement for Pedro Porro, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur.