Chelsea have approached Ousmane Diomande’s representatives, Sporting CP star could leave this summer | OneFootball

Chelsea have approached the representatives of Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, according to Portuguese outlet Record (paper edition).

The Blues have had a good Premier League campaign. They are only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United after 26 matches.

Fifth place could be enough to qualify for the Champions League next season, and the Blues currently have a two-point lead over Liverpool heading into the final stretch.

Regardless of how the season ends, the club’s hierarchy could spend big on a new central defender, having struggled to keep regular clean sheets.

Diomande has a £70 million release clause in his Sporting contract, signed last month, but that does not mean he will remain with them next season.

The 22-year-old dreams of playing in England one day. Sporting would be open to negotiating a lesser package than his buy-out clause during the next transfer window.

Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘approached’ the player’s agents on several occasions. Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are also potential candidates to recruit the defender.

Diomande would want guaranteed game time at Chelsea

Chelsea have vast options to utilise in the central defensive department.

They have had Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Mamadou Sarr feature in the heart of the backline this season.

The Blues also have Aaron Anselmino away on loan, while club graduate Levi Colwill is expected to return from a long-term knee injury later this year.

Keeping this in mind, any deal for Diomande won’t be straightforward. Chelsea could secure a discount on the clause, but the player may have to be convinced.

The Ivorian may not leave Sporting without guaranteed playing time from the starting XI.

Chelsea may also need to free up space in the squad for his arrival. Badiashile, Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi could head for the exit door when the transfer window reopens this summer.

Wesley Fofana’s future could also be a discussion point, having struggled with his fitness.

Diomande would obviously be a fine addition to Chelsea’s defence. The Ivorian ace has completed 94 percent in the Primeira Liga this term, averaging 3.6 long balls per appearance.

He has made 5.7 recoveries and four clearances per league game. He was sent off twice last season, but has also improved his discipline and has cut down on errors leading to goals.

Chelsea need some convincing to do to persuade Diomande to choose them. If the Blues can sign him, it would represent a huge coup ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.