Chelsea and several other Premier League clubs remain interested in the same central defender ahead of the summer transfer window.
While not all of them have been able to stay fit this season, Chelsea have options in central defence.
Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana are all currently part of Mauricio Pochettino‘s first team.
However, Silva is joining Fluminense in the summer, and again, Chelsea have had injuries at centre-back.
Fofana, for example, is now almost certain to finish the campaign without having kicked a ball.
Premier League clubs ready to make move for central defender next month
With Silva leaving Chelsea and Fofana unable to stay fit, the Blues may decide to sign a new centre-half in the next transfer window.
However, if they want to bring in Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, they could face a lot of competition for his signature.
According to CaughtOffside, while Chelsea are keen on Diomande, other Premier League clubs are expected to contact Sporting in June about a potential deal for the 20-year-old, who has an €80m (£68.7m) release clause.
The same outlet has named Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester United as the other interested parties.
Which Premier League club needs Ousmane Diomande the most?
Out of the above teams, you probably would not say Chelsea.
Even after Silva leaves, the Blues will still have Disasi, Colwill, Badiashile, Chalobah and Fofana. They just need to hope that Fofana can stay fit; that could save them millions.
Honestly, with Casemiro playing in central defence, Manchester United probably need Diomande the most right now.
The defensive midfielder was at fault for the goal his side conceded against Arsenal on Sunday, failing to step up on time to play Kai Havertz, who assisted Leandro Trossard’s winner, offside.
Whoever signs Diomande is going to have to pay a lot of money. His £68.8m release clause would make him one of Chelsea’s most expensive ever arrivals.