Newcastle United handed Ousmane Diomande signing boost after Chelsea twist – sources

Thu 14 March 2024 8:00, UK

Newcastle United and Arsenal have been boosted in their pursuit of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (11 March) that Diomande’s proposed move to Chelsea is now in danger of collapsing.

The Blues had been keen to steal a march on their rivals and seal an early-window deal for the 20-year-old – but will now need to sell players before confirming any new arrivals this summer.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the centre-back, who has impressed for Sporting in league and European competition this season, will cost in the region of £51million this summer.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle have all watched the centre-back in action for the Lisbon club in the 2023-24 campaign.

The former FC Midtjylland youngster moved to Portugal just last year (2023) but is already emerging as one of the world’s most coveted defenders.

Diomande has made 27 appearances in the 2023-24 campaign, notching two goals and one assist.

He played for champions Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations on home soil earlier this year – and has amassed four caps for his country.

Newcastle are targeting defensive reinforcements this summer after a disjointed 2023-24 campaign.

The Magpies crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage and now sit 10th in the Premier League table with 10 games left to play this term.

In other news, major update on new contract for Newcastle veteran.

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