Friday’s edition of Record reports Chelsea are pushing ahead of Arsenal and Newcastle United in a potential summer tussle to sign Ousmane Diomande.
The 20-year-old has spent much of the season linked with various clubs around Europe, with the Italian media on Thursday also reporting interest from Juventus, who would likely find it difficult to pay for a deal.
According to Record, Chelsea have already initiated contact with the player’s camp and shown an ability and willingness to pay €60m for the player. Sporting want a bit more, and the Blues would be prepared to hit €80m with €20m of bonuses making up the difference. That would put them ahead of Arsenal and Newcastle.
Chelsea have been repeatedly watching Diomande in action for Sporting this season. Whilst the interest is likely genuine, the finances may be something of a stretch.
Without big sales this summer, likely of homegrown players, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will struggle to spend big in the market.
That could provide an opportunity for Arsenal or Newcastle United to push back in.
