Arsenal remain determined in their pursuit of £70m defender but Man City also interested

Arsenal slipped to a 2-2 draw against in-form North London rivals Tottenham in a thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side unbeaten in the league after six matches, although they are already four points behind the league leaders Manchester City.

Arsenal are hoping to end their 20-year drought without a league title this season and they have added in a number of key signings to try and boost his side’s chances of success.

But it is likely that Arteta will remain active in the January transfer window, to avoid a repeat of last season’s late lapse in form when they struggled with a lack of squad depth.

Arsenal are competing on all fronts for glory this season and Arteta is keen to add a signing in the centre back area, but he will face competition from the reigning champions Man City.

The Gunners have been long term admirers of central defender Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP. The 19-year-old emerged as a key player for the Portuguese outfit last season as they recorded a fourth place finish in the league.

The Ivory Coast star even played against Arsenal on two occasions in last season’s Europa League and impressed in the round of 16 as the Portuguese side progressed on penalties.

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for the player in the summer but a bid of £35m was quickly rebuked according to reports from Portuguese outlet Record.

The Express reports that Diomande has a release clause of around £70m in his contract but the Gunners could face a further hurdle if Manchester City emerge with a rival bid.

The Citizens are also hoping to add further squad depth after the departures of Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo on loan in the summer window.