Chelsea unlikely to sign Ousmane Diomande

Chelsea are unlikely to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande during the summer transfer window.

The Blues are expected to spend big at the end of the campaign and a new centre-back will be one of their top targets.

With Thiago Silva set to leave on a free transfer, the Blues hierarchy have identified Diomande as their priority choice.

However, a deal looks difficult to pull off due to different reasons.

Sporting have no desire to negotiate on the price and want the player's €80m release clause to be paid in one full payment.

Chelsea can't afford to do so. With the lack of Champions League football, they are close to breaching Financial Fair Play limits.

Elsewhere, Diomande could also turn down their advances as he aims to play Champions League football next season.

Sporting are on course to offer him the same. The club are currently top of the Primeira Liga ahead of holders Benfica.

Hence, Arsenal seem the front-runners to sign him at the moment.