Chelsea handed boost in pursuit of top defensive transfer target

Suraj Radia

• 9 May 2024 14:00 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea’s chances of signing of their top transfer targets this summer have improved after Sporting Lisbon edged towards signing a replacement for coveted defender Ousmane Diomande.

A host of Premier League sides, such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle, have scouted Diomande ever since his breakthrough into Sporting’s first team in January last year.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise which has seen him establish himself as one of the best ball-playing defenders in Europe, while also being part of the Ivory Coast team who won the Africa Cup of Nations last year.

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Diomande has a release clause in the region of €80 million in his contract at Sporting but reports have claimed that the Portuguese side may accept a smaller fee, with no side yet willing to meet the buyout in full.

And it appears the chances of Diomande’s exit could be even greater as reports in Portugal have claimed that Sporting are closing in on a deal with Anderlecht to sign centre back Zeno Debast.

The 20-year-old would cost up to €18m, which would make him the third-biggest signing in Sporting’s history – a move which would only make sense if major sales are to happen at the club this summer.

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Sporting are expected to field significant interest in a host of their stars after winning Primeira Liga, with striker Victor Gyokeres and left-sided centre back Goncalo Inacio wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.

With Debast being a right-footed defender, the Belgian would likely be a replacement for Diomande and a move made to ensure Sporting do not overpay for a player who could impress at this summer’s European Championships.

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However, the decision to sign Diomande’s potential replacement before he is sold could see teams look to drive Sporting’s asking price down further.

Newcastle are said to be the frontrunners for Diomande’s signature currently but the Magpies are looking to sign Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, which could allow Chelsea a free run at the Sporting star if they choose to pursue him.