The Chelsea defence is about to endure a serious rebuilding mission this summer season as Enzo Maresca gears up the Blues for participation within the Champions League subsequent season whereas additionally hoping his facet can contend for the Premier League, which they hope to win for the primary time since 2017 sooner slightly than later.
In keeping with TEAMtalk (h/t Fichajes), the Blues are eager about signing Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande. The 21-year-old is one in every of a number of glorious younger gamers within the Portuguese facet’s squad and has additionally been linked with a transfer to Manchester United, the place former supervisor Ruben Amorim is hopeful of a reunion.
Diomande has a launch clause value £67 million in his deal in Lisbon, as per the supply, though Chelsea are hopeful that they’ll sit down and negotiate a decrease charge along with his employers. With the defender’s contract expiring in June 2027, the window later this 12 months is Sporting’s solely lifelike likelihood to dictate phrases over his potential sale except they’ll tie him right down to a brand new deal.
Chelsea can be favourites for Diomande
Ousmane Diomande’s inventory has risen exponentially in the previous few years with the Ivory Coast worldwide impressing with Sporting Lisbon very persistently. He has been lauded for his technical qualities, together with very good passing, intercepting and tackling talents. That, coupled with a top of 6ft 3in make the teen a well-rounded centre again.
He completely matches what Chelsea are on the lookout for, particularly for Enzo Maresca’s system, as they lack a defender who consists with the ball at his toes and has an excellent passing vary, other than Levi Colwill. Furthermore, age is clearly an enormous issue for the Blues and it goes with out saying that Diomande nonetheless has an extended profession forward of him, together with his prime years.
Chelsea can be assured about beating Manchester United to the participant’s signing because the Purple Devils are nicely staffed on the again and are not possible to spend a lot cash on centre backs, consequently. Furthermore, Diomande may stroll into the beginning eleven at Stamford Bridge subsequent season, so there may be not a lot to fret for him about taking part in usually in London both.
It stays to be seen when Chelsea formally kickstart negotiations for him and whether or not Sporting Lisbon are prepared to barter his launch clause, and in that case, what their ultimate asking value is for the participant.
