---
title: "Arsenal eyeing move for “very talented” young centre back as Marc Guehi alternative"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-eyeing-ousmane-diomande-january-transfer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Arsenal Transfer Rumours"
published: "2026-01-19T18:57:00Z"
modified: "2026-01-21T14:40:04Z"
---

# Arsenal eyeing move for “very talented” young centre back as Marc Guehi alternative

[Arsenal](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-fc-transfer-rumours/) are extending their lead at the top of the Premier League, moving seven points clear over the weekend despite a [goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-news-mikel-arteta-dermot-gallagher-nottingham-forest/)

With second-placed Manchester City losing to Manchester United and third-placed Aston Villa falling to Everton, the Gunners’ draw was enough to stretch their advantage.

While the cushion allows a bit of breathing room, Mikel Arteta is taking no chances—he is actively looking to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

## **Arsenal Eyeing Ousmane Diomande**

![Ousmane Diomande. (REUTERS/Pedro Nunes)](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2023-09-17T213135Z_1617635547_UP1EJ9H1NSLYY_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-PORTUGAL-SLI-MOE-REPORT-1024x747.jpg)

Ousmane Diomande. (REUTERS/Pedro Nunes)

Reports suggest Arsenal have turned their attention to Ousmane Diomande as a potential alternative to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

The Gunners, alongside Liverpool and Bayern Munich, had targeted Guehi in the summer on a free transfer, but Manchester City secured his services this month for around £20m plus add-ons, leaving Arteta searching for other defensive reinforcements.

[CaughtOffside claims](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/01/17/arsenal-eye-ousmane-diomande-and-nathaniel-brown-transfers/) Sporting Lisbon centre-back Diomande is on Arsenal’s radar.

The Ivory Coast international, [described as “very talented” by former Sporting coach Ruben Amroim](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12519835/Who-Ousmane-Diomande-just-19-Sporting-valued-Ivorian-centre-whopping-69M-defender-tailor-Premier-League-suitors-Manchester-City-Arsenal.html), most recently played at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s left-back Nathaniel Brown, highlighting their intent to bolster both centre-back and full-back positions as they push for league and European success.