Chelsea seem ready to strengthen Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in the January transfer window. It now appears that they are looking to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP.
Chelsea Make Contact Over Ousmane Diomande Signing
Ousmane Diomande Considered As Primary Transfer Target
The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella has reported that the Blues have made contact – with Sporting CP over the potential signing of their young defender amid their hunt for centre-back reinforcements in the upcoming January window. He also adds that Diomande is one of their primary transfer targets amid a separate search for a new striker.
Kinsella claims that the Portuguese side have already rejected an initial enquiry from Chelsea to sign the 20-year-old. The deal will seemingly only go through if the player’s £69 million release clause is activated. FC Midtjylland are owed 20% of any profit that Sporting could make by selling the defender, which could further complicate any potential transfer.
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What Can Diomande Bring To Chelsea?
Diomande has been a regular feature for the Portuguese side so far this season, having made 20 appearances in all competitions. The 20-year-old has helped them keep five clean sheets in 14 Liga Portugal appearances, with Sporting only losing two league games this season.
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The Ivory Coast international has been an impressive performer for the Portuguese heavyweights since joining them earlier this year and has been labelled as a “Rolls-Royce defender” thanks to his performances. Chelsea are reported to be likely to sell defender Trevoh Chalobah in January, which is why they are pushing to sign a new centre-back. Diomande can bring more composure and physicality to their defence and be a solid buy for the long term due to his age. But it remains to be seen if the Premier League giants are able to sign him anytime soon.
