Chelsea discover new cheaper price for target Ousmane Diomande

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 1 May 2024 16:45 BST
3 min read

Ousmane Diomande, Sporting CP, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Sporting CP have reportedly lowered the asking price of Ousmane Diomande despite the hefty release clause attached to his contract.

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Chelsea have been linked to the youngster for some time but it was always believed that his current side would ask for the total €80m release clause to be met.

Now Portuguese outlet A Bola via SportsWitness have revealed that Sporting are not adamant about enforcing this and would be open to listening to offers that fall below it.

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The club believe that their initial valuation has deterred potential suitors and have consequently now dropped the fee to between €50m and €60m.

Chelsea are linked but Newcastle appear to be in the race too for Diomande, with A Bola describing them as the Magpies as the 'frontrunners.'

© IMAGO - Ousmane Diomande is an Ivory Coast international

It states that Newcastle will soon make an official bid, though Chelsea and Arsenal are also keen.

What defenders are Newcastle targeting?

Newcastle are in the market for a centre-back but other reports have suggested that it is Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo who is inching near to a move to St James’ Park.

The 26-year-old is out of contract with the London club in the summer and Eddie Howe’s men are looking to pounce on a man who will be able to sign as a free agent.

Sporting are bracing for potential departures of three of their star players, each boasting a release clause. Viktor Gyokeres and Goncalo Inacio are also both liked by Premier League clubs ahead of the summer.

Diomande has enjoyed a breakout season for his current outfit, having transferred to the Primeira Liga club Sporting CP in January 2023 from Danish club Midtjylland , signing a contract until June 2027 for a fee of €7.5 million, which could rise to €12.5 million with add-ons. His former club are also owed 20% of the profit Sporting receive from a future transfer.