Chelsea interest is ‘real’ – Blues told what they need to do for January signing

Recent claims in England have stated Chelsea have made contact with Sporting over a potential deal for Ousmane Diomande in the winter market.

The Blues have struggled this season and are reportedly looking to strengthen a few positions, including their defence, this month. The 20-year-old was said to be the preferred target for the defence.

This is relayed by today’s A Bola, who then claim Chelsea’s interest in the centre-back is ‘real’.

This information isn’t new and has been well documented in the Portuguese media for the past few months.

Back in November, Record reported Chelsea are one of the clubs to have a scout follow the defender every week. Last month, O Jogo stated the Blues’ interest in him is growing.

Despite the west London club regularly following the Ivory Coast international, A Bola say a deal will be difficult to carry out in January.

Diomande has an €80m release clause in his deal that expires in 2027 and the newspaper states Chelsea have to activate it to sign him. As of now, it’s likelier the player leaves Sporting in the summer.