Chelsea told it’s ‘not possible’ to sign Champions League centre-back in January who would be significant upgrade on Axel Disasi

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There are several different defensive targets that have been linked with a potential move to Chelsea, but fresh claims suggest that one of them is out of reach in the January transfer window.

The Chelsea squad is arguably in the best place it’s been in under the current Blues owners. However, there’s still plenty of rumours regarding ins and outs at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea could sell several players this month to help raise transfer funds for new signings.

• READ MORE: The three areas of Chelsea’s squad Enzo Maresca is desperate to strengthen this month

Chelsea won’t be able to sign Ousmane Diomande in January

According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea remain interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande.

It is understood that any move for the 21-year-old defender in the January transfer window is thought to be not possible, though.

Diomande has a £67m release clause at Sporting amid interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United, so it’ll be interesting to see if he does end up playing in the Premier League during his career.

The young centre-back is a regular in the Sporting XI, making 24 appearances across all competitions so far this season. He’s got eight senior international caps for Ivory Coast, too.

Chelsea has been linked with several central defenders, including Diomande, but they may need to be patient if they truly want the Primeira Liga star.

Ousmane Diomande would be an upgrade on Axel Disasi

Even if Chelsea need to wait until the summer to make it happen, Diomande would be a significant upgrade on Axel Disasi in their squad.

Blues defender Disasi, 26, is a player in desperate need of a move to restart his career because he’s the wrong fit at Chelsea. He certainly lacks the mobility and athleticism to thrive in Enzo Maresca’s system.

Disasi wants to leave Chelsea in January to play regularly elsewhere after only making five appearances in the Premier League so far this campaign.

In contrast, Diomande is a much younger, faster and modern centre-half than Disasi. It’s a no-brainer on which we’d prefer in the squad next season.