Chelsea discover new cheaper price for target Ousmane Diomande

Jacque Talbot
Jacque Talbot
  • Updated: 1 May 2024 10:45 CDT
  • 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.'

Ousmane Diomande is an Ivory Coast international
© 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.

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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.

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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.

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