When it comes to their summer recruitment drive, Chelsea haven't been distracted by the ongoing Club World Cup campaign.
Enzo Maresca and co are looking to mount a serious CWC challenge in the States with as much as £97 million worth of prize money on offer, but in the background, Stamford Bridge chiefs are working to strengthen ahead of a pivotal next season.
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As things stand, Chelsea are prioritising a new winger right now, with the club back in talks over a potential deal for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens after seeing three June 10 deadline bids rejected for the Englishman.
As well as Gittens, Chelsea have their eyes on West Ham star Mohammed Kudus (Simon Phillips), not to mention Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho, so supporters can fully expect at least one new wide player to come in.
However, they're also believed to be targeting a new centre-back.
Chelsea's best performers in the Premier League last season Average match rating
Cole Palmer 7.33
Moises Caicedo 7.02
Enzo Fernández 6.95
Nicolas Jackson 6.88
Noni Madueke 6.82
via WhoScored
Uncertainty surrounds the long-term futures of Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and even Wesley Fofana (Foot Mercato), who's suffered from repeated injury problems since his £75 million move from Leicester City.
This has resulted in Chelsea considering Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, among other names, but the Toffees could demand up to £80 million to part company with the commanding centre-half before deadline day on September 1.
"Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides," said journalist Simon Phillips recently, via his Substack.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
"The other further info we have received from SPTC sources is that there’s a feeling now that Branthwaite could actually leave Everton this window for a Champions League club - which puts Chelsea in a strong position."
However, a far more obtainable defender, who comes with a £68 million release clause, is starting to turn Chelsea's head as well.
Enzo Maresca wants Ousmane Diomande at Chelsea
As per TEAMtalk and journalist Rudy Galetti, Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande is "firmly" on their shortlist, despite both Real Madrid and Newcastle's serious interest in signing the Ivorian.
Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande
The 21-year-old was a mainstay under both Ruben Amorim and Rui Borges last term, making 46 appearances in all competitions and helping the Primeira Liga heavyweights to their first domestic double in two decades.
Maresca is a "huge fan" of Diomande, and has personally listed the African as one of his top defensive targets for the summer, so this could be one to watch as Chelsea seek a good-value backline addition without paying over the odds.
Sporting are apparently braced for a 'bidding war', though, and Chelsea will be hoping that no other suitor decides to go beyond Diomande's release clause so they can win the race for his signature.