Ousmane Diomande: Newcastle stars desperate Sporting CP man to sign after dazzling Arsenal display
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Credit: Imago / Getty Images Wed 8 April 2026 9:30, UK Ousmane Diomande should have just convinced Newcastle United stars that he must be top of Eddie Howe’s wishlist this summer.Crystal Palace had been interested in the 22-year-old as a replacement for Marc Guehi last summer, but several clubs across Europe are likely to be keeping a close eye on his development now.Newcastle United have sounded out Diomande ahead of the summer window, with it being understood that a £35million deal could be accepted, and that would be an absolute steal for the Magpies.Howe will be in desperate need of new defenders once the 2025-26 campaign comes to a close, with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman too injury-prone, and one of their top targets has just produced a dazzling display. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Ousmane Diomande proves he’s Premier League readySupporters were instantly transfixed by the defender when he supplied an audacious pass for Sporting’s first chance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with David Raya tipping the resulting shot onto the bar.It would have been one of the assists of the season had his teammate finished it off just five minutes into the game, and it is the kind of pass that Howe’s attackers would be licking their lips at.Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga love running in behind the opposition’s defence, and with a line-splitting pass like Diomande’s, they’d be running riot at St James’ Park.Ousmane Diomande vs ArsenalStats [FotMob]Minutes played90Touches63Passing accuracy91% (49/54)Big chances created1Clearances7Aerial duels won100% (1/1)Sadly, he could do very little as Kai Havertz netted a 91st-minute winner on Tuesday, 7 April, but it was still a very impressive display from the young centre-back, who has his whole career ahead of him.Who could the Sporting CP star replace at St James’ Park?Kieran Trippier has already announced his decision to leave Newcastle at the end of the season, but Howe must focus on the centre of his defence before looking at new full-backs.Football Insider understands that Howe wants Schar to sign a new deal, with Dan Burn, Malick Thiaw and Botman sharing the starting spots, but the Magpies have rarely had all four available.Diomande is a sensational defender, proven by his performance against the Gunners, so it would be a no-brainer decision for Howe’s staff to take a closer look at this this summer.With Bruno Guimaraes unavailable, Newcastle have often lacked a cutting edge in the second half of the season, but with Diomande’s array of passes, that could be quickly solved before next season.
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