Chelsea board really like £69m defender, but he could be too expensive

Add as preferred source on Google

Reports have claimed that the Chelsea board are keen admirers of one defender in particular as the transfer window prepares to open.

It is expected to be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, with them looking to give the best possible platform for their new manager to succeed.

It was announced yesterday that Enzo Maresca had been made the new head coach, and he has already got to work on his new job.

• READ MORE: Chelsea think one factor really helped Enzo Maresca stand out from other candidates

Despite the fact that he is still on holiday, and doesn’t start work with the club until July, it has been reported that he is already in the process of analysing the performances from last season.

A lot of talk in the coming weeks will revolve around the players the club are going to sign and sell, with defence certainly a position which needs addressing.

Thiago Silva’s sensational spell at Stamford Bridge has now come to an end, and the Blues will certainly need to replace his quality before the Premier League gets underway again.

Chelsea put off by Diomande price tag

One name they have been linked to for a few months now is Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.

Reports claimed in the latter stages of the season that the Blues had sent scouts to watch the defender in action, as they prepared their move for a centre back this summer.

However, according to GiveMeSport, the Blues may well be put off a move due to the hefty price tag the Portuguese side are demanding to part ways with him.

Diomande is not the only player at Sporting who Chelsea apparently have an interest in, with Viktor Gyokeres another name they have been linked with for some time.

However, their recent striker transfer rumours have revolved around Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, especially after they determined that Victor Osimhen was going to be too expensive for them this summer.