Chelsea are making determined moves to finally sort out the central defensive headache that defined their underwhelming campaign, according to multiple reports emerging from Stamford Bridge. That urgency has seen them move with the clear intention of providing a Premier League-ready partner for the highly-rated Levi Colwill.
The Blues had a frustrating season at the back with individual errors and a revolving door of managers costing them dearly across the league. One of the few genuine bright spots has been the return of Colwill from a long anterior cruciate ligament injury. The England international has established himself as the cornerstone around which incoming manager Xabi Alonso hopes to construct his backline next term.
Both Colwill and academy graduate Josh Acheampong are reported to be untouchable by the hierarchy heading into the window. Also, Mamadou Sarr is still highly thought-of in the corridors of Cobham despite limited opportunities against senior opposition this term. That leaves the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and the much-maligned Wesley Fofana as the names most likely to be told to leave the building should suitable offers come along this summer.
Chelsea reportedly keen on Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande as Colwill partner
According to a recent report, Chelsea have earmarked Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande as a key target to play alongside Colwill in the heart of their defence. The 22-year-old Ivorian has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe with his commanding performances in the Primeira Liga, and his profile seems to fit the kind of mobile, physically dominant defender the Blues have prioritised.
But it is unlikely to be easy to prise the youngster away from Lisbon. Diomande reportedly signed a contract extension earlier this year that will keep him at Sporting until 2030, with sources reporting that the deal included a hefty release clause of around €80 million. That valuation could be a problem for a Chelsea side who are well aware of Profitability and Sustainability Rules, especially with no Champions League football to sweeten the deal for potential signings.
Chelsea, meanwhile, face a Herculean task in fending off competition for the marauding defender with several heavyweight names circling. Reports have credited Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Como and Crystal Palace with varying degrees of interest in the Ivory Coast international. The battle to sign him is heating up, and the Blues could well have to make a decisive move to win the race for one of the continent’s most sought-after young defenders.