Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande.

Football Insider reports that they are intensifying their plans.

Arsenal have made contact with Diomande's family regarding a transfer this month.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is said to be keen to sign Diomande, but it is most likely that he will leave Sporting only at the end of the season.

Sporting's coach Rúben Amorim has previously emphasised that the defender will only leave this winter if someone activates the buyout clause.

Diomande has a contract with the Portuguese top club until the summer of 2027.