Chelsea sent scouts to watch Ousmane Diomande in action as interest piles up in the 19-year-old Sporting CP defender.
According to Record via Sport Witness, Chelsea scouts were present during Ivory Coast’s friendly against Morocco to watch Ousmane Diomande in action. The Sporting CP defender continues to attract the attention of some top clubs in the continent, with the Blues likely to approach now.
Sporting CP are masters of finding top talents from places that top clubs don’t explore. They have achieved tremendous success in bringing in raw diamonds and selling them at massive profit. The larger credit should go to their development plans, which have seen enormous success over the years.
One of their latest imports came in the way of Ousmane Diomande. They acquired the 19-year-old from the Danish side Midtjylland last January, paying a modest fee of €7.5 million. During the summer, they have rejected a €35 million bid from Arsenal, as they have inserted an €80 million release clause in his contract.
Sporting CP are already planning on handing the 19-year-old Arsenal target a new contract that would reportedly improve his salary from €300k to €500k. The Portuguese side intends to keep the release clause the same and, after the renewal, will look for a fee close to that figure.
Manchester City are ready to rival Arsenal for Diomande, while there’s also interest from Manchester United in the 19-year-old. The Ivorian has been sensational for Sporting since making the move and seemed destined to join a bigger club during the summer.
Now, Chelsea have entered the race for the defender after sending scouts to watch him in action for his country. Those observers returned with glowing reports after Ivory Coast’s 1-1 draw against Morroco.
Chelsea have spent considerable time and resources finding young talents in the market and could angle a move for Diomande. The defender fits into their age criteria, but they must ward off competition from their rivals.
Stamford Bridge has looked like a thriving hive for young stars; the Blues may not need another defender at this stage. They have many players to cover the central position, something Diomande prefers, as their primary focus should be strengthening the attack.
Yet, the 19-year-old Arsenal target appears like an opportunity they do not want to pass over to their rivals. However, Sporting would likely point Chelsea or other suitors towards the €80 million release clause, or else they might not sell at all.
