Chelsea and Como target Ousmane Diomande this summer

Chelsea and Italian side Como have both identified Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande as a key defensive target for this summer’s window.

The Ivorian, one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe, is coming off another strong season in Lisbon and continues to attract serious Premier League and Serie A interest.

Sporting have already signalled that Diomande will not come cheap. Recent reports suggest the Portuguese club are prepared to do business only around a fixed asking price in the region of 50 to 80 million euros, reflecting his age, potential and importance to Rúben Amorim’s system.

Chelsea, who have been monitoring him for months, view the 22-year-old as a possible long-term pillar in central defence and a good fit for their aggressive, high-line approach. Como, recently backed by ambitious investors and seeking to establish themselves in the Italian top flight, see Diomande as a statement signing capable of anchoring their back line for years.

With other big clubs also following the Ivorian international closely, any move will depend on who is willing to meet Sporting’s price and convince the player of their project.