Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back after parting ways with Marc Guehi. So, the Sporting CP defender has emerged as a target for the South London outfit. However, Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen on signing the Ivorian defender in the summer transfer window.
How has Ousmane Diomande fared at Sporting CP?
Ousmane Diomande has established himself as one of the world’s best young defenders since joining Sporting CP from FC Midtjylland in January 2023. The 22-year-old has made significant progress in the last three years, becoming a mainstay at the back for his club and country.
The Ivory Coast international has made over 100 appearances thus far for Crystal Palace while chipping in with seven goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Diomande’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea are among the prospective suitors vying for the Ivorian defender’s signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Premier League move on the horizon?
The Sporting CP defender has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is surprising, considering Mikel Arteta has a stacked central defensive unit. Therefore, it is unclear how Diomande fits into the scheme of things at Arsenal unless they sell a few centre-back.
As for Crystal Palace, the Eagles wanted to sign the Ivorian defender in the last two transfer windows, but the deal did not materialise. However, with Marc Guehi joining Manchester City earlier this year, the South London outfit must plan for life after the English international. So, Ousmane Diomande remains on Crystal Palace’s wishlist, with the club ready to revive the chase this summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in the Sporting CP defender makes sense. Axel Disasi has no future at Stamford Bridge, while Wesley Fofana has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the West London club. So, Diomande is a viable target for Chelsea, with the Blues holding a long-standing interest in the Ivory Coast international.
The report has revealed that Diomande signed a new contract that retained his release clause worth €80 million. However, the deal does not guarantee a long-term future at Sporting CP for the 22-year-old Ivorian centre-back, and it will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace can beat Arsenal and Chelsea in the battle for his signature.
