As per a report from Football London, Chelsea and Sporting CP have already discussed Ousmane Diomande’s signing.
Since joining Sporting from FC Midtjylland last winter, the Ivory Coast international has played a crucial role in the backline, appearing in 21 games as Ruben Amorim’s team is poised to win the Primeira Liga.
Diomande has emerged as one of the center-back alternatives Chelsea has been investigating on the transfer market. Chelsea reportedly contacted Sporting last month in an attempt to sign Diomande, according to Football London.
OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, 24, is another option on their transfer list if a deal cannot be reached. They have scouted the 24-year-old multiple times this season.
Chelsea has also been closely watching Marc Guehi, the captain of Crystal Palace and a former player, as they continue to track his growth and development.
Diomande’s contract at Estádio José Alvalade expires in June 2027, and Sporting is reportedly demanding that his £69 million release clause be triggered. Chelsea is hesitant to pay this amount since they are attempting to work out a lower deal for the defender.
Release clause or no agreement
Among Chelsea’s large group of central defenders, some players’ futures are still up in the air. Trevoh Chalobah, a key player in this mix, may leave Stamford Bridge this month if a good offer comes in; Chelsea are openly anticipating this.
By the end of the current campaign, Thiago Silva’s contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire, and as of right now, no talks have been started to extend it for the 39-year-old. Chelsea decided to sign a new defender as a result.
Diomande is a player Chelsea is definitely interested in, but signing him during the January transfer window will be difficult, so a summer transfer seems more likely.
Sporting, they are steadfast in their demands that Diomande’s release clause be paid or there will be no agreement. But in the summer, when Sporting would have more time to look for replacements in the transfer market, talks might become more realistic for Chelsea.
