Chelsea Tipped To Hijack Arsenal Deal As They Watch £69M Rated Ivorian Star In Action ‘Sent A Scout’
According to a Portuguese newspaper, a Blues scout was in the terraces on Saturday night as the centre-back played for Ivory Coast against Morocco in a friendly.
Diomande just joined Sporting from FC Midtjylland in January for £11 million, and his contract has a €80 million (£69 million) release clause.
Due to the high level of interest in the 19-year-old, Chelsea may have to pay a substantial cost if they decide to pursue the kid.
A Premier League competitor has been keeping tabs on Diomande.
Arsenal were connected with the teenager before he joined Sporting, and the Gunners are still thought to be following his progress.
There were even rumours that Mikel Arteta’s team had lodged a £30 million deal for Diomande, however those assertions were never confirmed.
In truth, the Ivorian international’s agent, Luis Cassiano Neves, has discussed the possibility of extending his contract with Sporting. In an interview last month, he stated:
“[Diomande] is extremely satisfied at Sporting He is very focused on the club and their objectives for this season, which include winning the league title. And he knows that Sporting is the ideal club for this evolution. He will be happy to sit at the table with Sporting.”
What piques Chelsea’s interest in Diomande?
Given that the Blues also have Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana as alternatives at centre-half, scouting Diomande seems odd.
However, with Chalobah due to depart Stamford Bridge in January and Fofana certain to miss the remainder of the season, there may be room for another alternative in the centre of the defence.
