Arsenal are reportedly 'interested' in a move for 19-year-old central defender Ousmane Diomande.

The Lowdown: Trossard first up...

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday morning that Arsenal are in 'very advanced' talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over the signing of Leandro Trossard, and are even prepared to close the deal 'in the next hours'.

He adds that the deal is 'progressing fast', and a 'full agreement' has been reached on personal terms, in what would be a 'long-term' contract for the winger.

With over a week until the transfer window closes, the Gunners may not stop there, and could now look to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

The Latest: Diomande interest

Taking to Twitter, journalist Bruno Andrade has revealed that the North London club are 'interested' in signing Diomande, who is on loan at Portuguese second-tier side Mafra from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.

Portuguese top-flight team Sporting CP are also interested in the centre-back, and are prepared to pay around €5m (£4.4m) for him, but Midtjylland want around €10m (£8.8m):

"Ousmane Diomande is well referenced, but walks to be "discarded" by Sporting. Midtjylland put a "price I don't want to sell" for the young central: around 10 M € . Lions are in the 5 M € . There are people interested in English football, like Arsenal."

The Verdict: One for the future

While Trossard would be a signing to go straight into the first team squad at 28, Diomande would be a player for the future at 19.

He has played 16 senior games for Mafra in total over all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal and making one assist, and has also played 18 times for Midtjylland at youth level, netting twice (Transfermarkt).

Mikel Arteta already has William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding as centre-half options in his senior squad, while the likes of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can also play there, so Diomande could be sent back out on loan to continue his development, or be kept in the Academy until he is ready to be called up.

Nonetheless, if Arsenal were to bring him to the Emirates Stadium, then it would likely be as an investment for the future.