Arsenal and Chelsea are optimistic about signing Sporting CP defensive sensation Ousmane Diomande for a cut-price fee of €50 million.
Arsenal and Chelsea are both looking to bolster their defence ahead of next season. According to a report from Caught Offside, both London clubs have been keeping a close eye on Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande ahead of a move next summer.
Diomande has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Portuguese club from FC Midtjylland at the start of 2023. Not only has he established himself as one of the mainstays in the Sporting CP team, but the 21-year-old is also regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe.
He has been a rock for them at the back, and there is already a lot of interest in him. While his contract runs until the summer of 2027, there are high chances of the Ivorian international joining a bigger club next summer.
Sporting CP are well aware of the growing interest in their star, and they will undoubtedly point to his €80 million release clause if and when a club comes calling. Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen on his signature.
London clubs eye Diomande discount
Both London clubs consider the release clause to be too high, and there is a growing feeling that they may be able to negotiate that down to an initial fee of around €50 million plus add-ons to convince the Portuguese giants to part ways with one of their most valuable assets.
The Gunners could offer him a very appealing project, but he might not get regular game time at the North London club. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are Arsenal’s preferred pairing in defence, while Mikel Arteta also has Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Riccardo Calafiori, who can fill in.
Meanwhile, a move to Chelsea could guarantee him more minutes as Enzo Maresca seeks an upgrade in central defence. Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile have not been consistent enough, while Wesley Fofana has been injury-prone. As a result, Diomande could be a great acquisition for them.
While both Arsenal and Chelsea are confident about signing him for a cut-price fee, Sporting CP will stand firm on their demands as they feel other big clubs will knock on their doors in the summer.