Chelsea have signalled their curiosity in Sporting star Ousmane Diomande as they scour the market and look to signal Thiago Silva’s long-term successor in the summertime.
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The Blues have spent in extra of £1billion on new recruits since Todd Boehly took over the reins again in Might 2022 and the membership are making ready to splash the money once more after a poor begin to the season below Mauricio Pochettino.
Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana have all arrived by means of the doorways at Stamford Bridge in current home windows, however 39-year-old Silva stays a mainstay on the coronary heart of Pochettino’s central defence when match and obtainable.
Nevertheless, Silva’s present contract is because of expire on the finish of the marketing campaign – with the veteran Brazilian turning 40 in September – and the west London giants are drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements at centre-half.
In accordance with Portuguese outlet A Bola, Chelsea view Sporting’s Diomande because the ‘good’ participant to take over from Silva and have despatched scouts to observe the 20-year-old a number of instances this time period.
The report claims Diomande has a €80million (£68m) launch clause in his contract at Sporting, although, so a deal for the sought-after teen won’t come low-cost.
Diomande joined Sporting from Midtjylland simply 12 months in the past, following an eye catching mortgage spell with Primeira Liga outfit Mafra. The Ivory Coast worldwide put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half yr contract in Lisbon.
Final summer season, Arsenal had a £30m supply turned down for Diomande and it’s understood the Gunners might rival their London neighbours for the 6 ft 3 in centre-back in the summertime.
It seems unlikely that both Chelsea or Arsenal will make any high-profile everlasting signings this month, with simply days remaining till the January switch deadline.
Each golf equipment have been credited with an curiosity in Karim Benzema, however the Al-Ittihad striker’s wage calls for are blocking the Frenchman’s escape route out of Saudi Arabia.
Talking to the media this week, Pochettino couldn’t affirm whether or not or not it was Silva’s remaining season at Chelsea regardless of the defender just lately stating that his profession was ‘virtually over’.
‘We didn’t speak in regards to the subsequent season. As a result of I didn’t hear, I don’t know what I can say about that,’ the Chelsea head coach informed reporters.
‘Solely he is aware of and the membership if it’s going to be his final season or not.
‘I feel at all times we speak in regards to the current. It’s vital for him to maintain match.
‘Together with his age, he’s doing improbable. We’re so pleased with him.
‘What’s going to occur sooner or later, that’s for him.’
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