Sources: Arsenal ask Euro giants about three potential signings despite “bad blood”

I’m aware there’s been a lot of speculation about Sporting Lisbon players in the last few days, with transfer rumours about two names in particular.

I’ve done a bit of digging and it looks like there are some conversations that have gone in in the last few days that has to led to a number of stories, some of which are more based in reality than others.

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So, my understanding from speaking to a variety of sources in the industry, who have asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, is that Arsenal chiefs used the opportunity to speak to their Sporting counterparts.

Arsenal discuss three Sporting players

Arsenal have been among the clubs linked with two players: Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand. There’s also been talk of others like Chelsea and Manchester United being credited with an interest in those players.

Sources confirmed to me that Arsenal asked about both Diomande and Hjulmand, but also about young Spanish right-back Ivan Fresneda.

However, it’s important to note that conversations like this when club officials are visiting during games is very common and not necessarily a sign that the aforementioned players are priority targets. It’s more about establishing relationships and asking to be kept in the loop if certain players are going to be available.

It’s also likely that links with the likes of Chelsea and Man United would have come from Sporting’s side to try to strengthen their own negotiating position if it were to come to dealing with Arsenal.

Will Arsenal and Sporting negotiate another transfer?

Interestingly, I’ve heard mixed messages about Arsenal’s relationship with Sporting after slightly tense negotiations over Viktor Gyokeres last summer.

The Gunners ended up bringing in the Sweden international from the Portuguese giants, but there was a lengthy back and forth that some sources said left some “bad blood” between the clubs.

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Not everyone is convinced that will be an issue, however, and I’m inclined to believe them. Some clubs have better relationships than others, but it’s normal for talks over major deals to run into complications.

At the end of the day, Sporting are known for selling players when the time is right, and if a club like Arsenal come in with decent money then there’s always a chance of an agreement.

Players like Diomande, Hjulmand, and Fresneda will also likely be keen, just as Gyokeres was, to take the chance to move to a major Premier League club if the interest is there.

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