Report: Arsenal one of the clubs closest to signing £42m ace who's 'one of the most exciting young talents in Europe'

Arsenal and Chelsea are both looking at making reinforcements in the January transfer window in hope of kicking on in the second half of the season.

The Gunners continue to apply the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool, although they’re at risk of exiting both domestic cups.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ form has taken a bit of a tumble after a great start to the season under Enzo Maresca.

Now, CaughtOffside has reported that Arsenal and Chelsea are the two clubs leading the race for “one of the most exciting young talents in Europe”.

Ousmane Diomande of Sporting in action during the League Cup - Final match between Sporting and Benfica at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on January 1...

Arsenal and Chelsea lead Ousmane Diomande race

The player in question is Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, who has been routinely linked with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest, but according to CaughtOffside, no offers have appeared forthcoming from the Red Devils.

Indeed, Arsenal and Chelsea are the closest to landing Diomande at present, while Bayern Munich have also made their interest known, as per the report.

It is also believed that, while Diomande has an €80million (£68million) release clause, a fee of €50-60million (£42-51million) would be enough for them to consider doing business.

In addition, the Ivory Coast international’s personal preference is to play in the Premier League, added the report.

Why Arsenal and Chelsea should look to sign Diomande

Diomande looks like he’d be a good shout for both Arsenal and Chelsea thanks to his talent, work-rate, physicality and very high ceiling.

He is a physically imposing, dominant defender who is difficult to deal with when it comes to duels on the ground and in the air.

He is also very calm and confident in possession, along with being two-footed on the ball, making him a superb passer of the ball.

Football Talent Scout called Diomande “one of the most exciting young talents in Europe” last year as he was likened to Tottenham’s Cristian Romero.

Diomande is likely to feature heavily on the rumour mill over the coming weeks, especially as he is not prohibitively expensive for a leading Premier League club.

And if he doesn’t leave Sporting by the start of February, the summer transfer window would surely be the time he finally makes a big career move.