Chelsea ahead of Arsenal in Diomande race?

Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande this summer.

The Blues are expected to spend on a marquee centre-back in the next transfer window with Thiago Silva set to leave on a free transfer.

Diomande has been identified as the top target and reports claim that they have moved ahead of the Gunners in the pursuit.

Arsenal have yet to make a fresh approach for the talented 20-year-old, who currently has a release clause worth €80m in his deal.

On the other hand, the Blues have started working over a solution. They will propose to pay €60m as a fixed fee with the rest as add-ons.

Diomande has yet to make a decision over his future, but the Blues are growing optimistic that the Ivorian will choose to join them.

Manchester United and Liverpool are also monitoring the centre-back, but both consider Benfica sensation Antonio Silva as the top target.