Chelsea are looking to add a new defender in the January transfer window, and it’s high time they make the signing of Ousmane Diomonde a top priority.
The Blues have initiated contact with the Sporting CP defender as they look to add centre-back reinforcements in January, as per Evening Standard.
The 22-year-old has been a pivotal figure in Sporting’s backline since he arrived from FC Midtjylland last winter. He is part of a formidable defensive trio of Sebastian Coates and Goncalo Inacio in Sporting’s back three this season, as Ruben Amorim’s side sit at the summit of the Primeira Liga ahead of Benfica and FC Porto.
The Ivory Coast International has been earmarked by Chelsea as one of their primary targets with the centre-forward position also being looked at internally.
Diomonde’s former club, Midtjylland, are owed a 20% sell-on profit from any future transfer of the player which further adds a layer of uncertainty over a reduction of his transfer fee.
Wesley Fofana is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Although the Frenchman was pictured in training some weeks ago, he is still a few months away from regaining match fitness.
Trevor Chalobah has been put up for sale while veteran defender, Thiago Silva could leave after the expiration of his contract at the end of the current season.
The Blues still want to add another mercurial centre-back despite having Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana who are all still very young with years ahead of them. Chelsea are now looking to add 20-year-old Diomande to their ranks.
Diomande possesses attributes of an archetypical modern-day center-back, excelling in ball control, balance, speed, and power.
These qualities align well with Mauricio Pochettino’s preferences for center-backs who are fast, technical, combative, and aggressive.
His proficiency in transitional defending and support for a higher defensive line without vulnerability makes him a desirable prospect.
Diomande’s ball-carrying skills enable him to navigate through opposition presses, creating opportunities for advantageous transitions. His intelligent use of the upper body enhances ball protection and separation from opponents, leveraging size and strength effectively.
With about six existing centre-backs at Chelsea, it remains to be seen if Diomonde’s interest is to add depth or a potential replacement for Silva who could potentially depart next summer.
