Chelsea decide they really want to sign £69m centre-back at the end of the season

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea are now looking at Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande as their main transfer target for the end of the season.

That is according to speculation this week.

Ousmane Diomande, who’s just 20, is a highly-rated defender impressing this season for Sporting.

Apparently, Chelsea have their eyes set on the Ivory Coast international as someone they really want.

90min claims that Chelsea have identified Diomande as their top defensive target for the summer.

It is understood that the Blues consider the Sporting centre-back their priority for the end of the season.

The report explains that they’re not expected to trigger the youngster’s €80m (£69m) release clause during what’s left of this month’s January window. Instead, the Premier League club will wait until the summer when there’s a chance they could negotiate a lower transfer fee.

Apparently, Diomande is open to the idea of a move to Stamford Bridge further down the line.

Chelsea were told by Sporting the defender won’t be sold in January unless his full clause is paid, but let’s see their response if they reach out again with further contact.

Chelsea prioritise Ousmane Diomande

We’re content with the club delaying their pursuit for a new centre-half for another six months.

It’ll be interesting to keep a close eye on Diomande’s individual performances for Sporting in Portugal, where he’s seriously impressing at the back.

There’s plenty of centre-halves on Chelsea’s books right now, but let’s caveat that by remembering the likes of Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah are both linked with transfer exits in 2024.

The Secret Scout reported via X this week that it’s their understanding 39-year-old defender Silva will leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Meanwhile, The Sun recently claimed that Nottingham Forest have started discussions about signing 24-year-old defender Chalobah.