Chelsea want to sign Liga NOS starlet with £70m release clause as Thiago Silva successor

Chelsea identify Ousmane Diomande as Thiago Silva’s succossor

Chelsea are eager to get Ousmane Diomande, but they will have to compete with Newcastle United for the 19-year-old centre-back. Since the takeover of the Public Investment Fund, the Magpies haven’t been shy about splashing hefty money on their new signings.

And as per the Sun, (h/t Football.London) they are willing to splash funds on his acquisition, which has a £70 million release clause.

Meanwhile, the Blues are looking to find Thiago Silva’s replacement, whose contract will expire next summer, and they feel Diomande will be a perfect successor to the Brazilian defender.

Thiago Silva's contract is set to expire next summer. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) — Thiago Silva’s contract is set to expire next summer. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The 19-year-old has been making waves for Portuguese side Sporting CP, which has drawn attention from many European clubs. Arsenal were previously interested in signing him last summer, but the number of suitors has grown.

Chelsea have decent depth in their defence but will have to look for another centre-back if Silva decides to leave next summer. On top of that, he will turn 40 next year.

The former Paris Saint-Germain has remained at the top of his game despite his age, but currently, it appears uncertain if he will remain for another season at Chelsea.

Chelsea identify Ousmane Diomande as Thiago Silva's successor (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) — Chelsea identify Ousmane Diomande as Thiago Silva’s successor (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

If Chelsea can sign the Ivorian defender, he won’t be an immediate success because it will be difficult to adjust to life in the Premier League after playing in the Portuguese league. Additionally, since the Blues view him as Silva’s replacement, it will be difficult to fill his shoes because the Brazilian has become widely recognised in the short time since moving to Stamford Bridge.

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Diomande, who is only 19 years old, will have plenty of time to transition to life at Chelsea. Although he won’t likely be a regular starter because Wesely Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Levi Colwill are ahead of him in the standings, he will undoubtedly get enough playing time to support his development. We will need to move quickly if we want to acquire him, though, since Newcastle has demonstrated a strong desire for him and aren’t hesitant to spend big money.