Chelsea have already held talks with Sporting CP over the signing of Ousmane Diomande, based on a report from Soccer London.
The Ivory Coast Worldwide has been a pivotal determine in Sporting’s backline since he arrived from FC Midtjylland final winter, that includes in 21 matches as Ruben Amorim’s aspect sit on the cusp of the Primeira Liga.
Chelsea have been exploring the switch marketplace for a number of centre-back choices, with Diomande rising as one of many choices within the listing. Soccer London studies that Chelsea made contact with Sporting final month in a bid to signal Diomande.
If a deal can’t be agreed, an alternative choice on their switch listing is OGC Good defender Jean-Clair Todibo, having scouted the 24-year-old on a number of events this season.
Chelsea have additionally been protecting shut tabs on one in every of their former gamers and present Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guehi, as they proceed to watch his progress and growth.
Diomande has a contract on the Estádio José Alvalade that runs till June 2027, and it’s reported that Sporting are insistent on his £69m launch clause to be activated. Chelsea are reluctant to fulfill this price as they attempt to negotiate a lesser value for the defender.
Launch clause or no deal
Throughout the expansive pool of central defenders at Chelsea, the futures of sure gamers stay unsure. Trevoh Chalobah, a distinguished determine on this combine, would possibly discover himself departing Stamford Bridge this month if an acceptable supply materializes, a state of affairs that Chelsea are brazenly receptive to.
Thiago Silva faces an impending expiration of his contract at Stamford Bridge by the tip of the season, and as of now, discussions concerning an extension for the 39-year-old haven’t been initiated. Therefore, Chelsea’s transfer for a brand new defender.
Though Diomande is firmly on Chelsea’s radar, the January switch window poses challenges in securing his signature, making a summer time transfer a extra believable state of affairs.
Sporting, unwavering of their stance, insist on the fee of Diomande’s launch clause or no deal. Nonetheless, in the summertime, negotiations might turn into extra possible for Chelsea, as Sporting would have extra time to discover replacements within the switch market.
