Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande was linked to Chelsea.

In order to build for the future, Chelsea is shortlisting some of the most promising youth defensive prospects in preparation for life without Thiago Silva.

At the conclusion of the current campaign, the contract of the 39-year-old central defender expires, and TEAMtalk sources indicate he will conclude his professional career in Brazil.

In recent months, Chelsea recruiters have traveled throughout Europe in search of candidates to present to manager Mauricio Pochettino. One of the most notable individuals is Ousmane Diomande of Sporting Lisbon.

Scouts reportedly were impressed by the 19-year-old after observing him play for Cote d’Ivoire in their recent 1-1 draw with Morocco. Although it was his second international appearance, he has already established himself as an impressive starter for his club side in each of the previous eight games.

Sporting acquired him for £7 million from FC Midtjylland in January; it would be improbable for them to replace him within a year of his acquisition on the final day of the transfer window last winter.

However, Diomande has a £69 million release clause, and Chelsea, who are not the only club vying for the center-back, may be tempted to exercise it.

Chelsea must spend big to sign Diomande

 

Although Pochettino’s desire to acquire a premier striker may hinder the London club’s ability to invest heavily in a defensive option during the winter transfer window, Diomande is an extremely realistic summer 2024 target.

There will be numerous contenders for his signature in the upcoming summer, according to sources; Arsenal and Bayern Munich have both expressed interest in him through their representatives at Prosport Global.

Sporting have signed Diomande to a contract until 2027, and to transfer him in the middle of a campaign in which they are leading Benfica by one point in the Liga Portugal standings would require the utilization of the entire release clause.

Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in Youssouf Moukoko.Young Borussia Dortmund player Youssouf Moukoko has been linked to Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

In contrast, Chelsea has demonstrated its ability to complete January transfer blockbusters with the recent acquisitions of Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk, to name two recent examples.

Diomande’s trajectory is exceedingly favorable, and he is currently the frontrunner to replace the legendary Silva.

The Brazilian, who spent four years at the club, is now likely to bid farewell to Stamford Bridge and is expected to return to Fluminense.