Chelsea lead the race for a £67m star who would be a better signing than Jarnacho

ChelseaA mid-season audit of 's reveals promise for the years ahead, with Enzo Maresca's tactics brought the club back into contention UEFA Champions League Football after two seasons outside the qualifying positions.

Mariska's training ability has been under pressure in recent weeks, With Italian commentary Stamford Bridge's management is a 'disaster' during the winter transfer window, as persistent rumors of activity on and off the pitch are having a worrying effect on a group of players.

There is no doubt that Chelsea's form has taken a hit for the worse in recent times, having failed to win any of their past four Premier League matches, but the Blues will regain their place in the top four with a win on Monday evening past Newcastle United. Defeated by Bournemouth.

Maresca will be hoping his side can regain some of their defensive resilience, although Chelsea are known to be keen to strengthen the backline this month.

Players like Mark Guehi has been promoted But he's actually an outsider who might be at the top of BlueCo's wish list.

Chelsea transfer news in January

Last week, Chelsea actually recalled Trevo Chalupa from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, effectively ruling Guehi out of a cross-cities move to west London this month.

but, Caught Offside has been revealed Chelsea are keeping their options open and are in fact favorites to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomandi despite the firm interest of Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Diomande has a €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, but Chelsea have paid such money to sign talented young centre-backs in the past, and this player has signs of something truly special.

What will Ousmane Diomande bring to Chelsea?

At the age of 21, Diomande has achieved great success in Portugal, He had 85 senior appearances For Sporting, most notably lifting the 2023/24 league title.

The Ivorian international has completed an impressive 94% of his passes in the Portuguese Premier League this season, winning 72% of his aerial duels and averaging 4.9 ball recoveries per game. According to Sovascorwhich showcases his athletic abilities as well as a strong base of skills.

According to FBrefDiomandi ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in the Portuguese League this season in terms of passes completed, top 4% in terms of passes attempted, and top 13% in aerial battles won per 90, perfectly illustrating the combination of quality ball play. And physical strength. That would set him up for success in Maresca's system.

When considering that Diomande is still only 21 years old but has already become one of the most technically imposing defenders in Europe, it is clear that Chelsea must do everything they can to prevent the likes of Arsenal from signing him.

As previously mentioned, Chelsea are not limited to just one area as they prepare to strengthen in the transfer market this year, with recent reports also suggesting that Manchester United… Alejandro Garnacho On your blues shopping list.

Athlete David Ornstein He even confirmed that inquiries have been made to ascertain whether the Red Devils would be inclined to cash in, but if priority is to be placed on one area, securing a talent like Diomande carries far greater importance than any search for a mercurial prospect. Wing like garnacho.

Firstly, Wesley Fofana has been sidelined until the final stage of the 2024/25 season and is starting to see fans' confidence in maintaining his fitness diminish.

There is also the matter of Chelsea being bulked up high, with Jarnacho at his best on the left. Given that the likes of Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Modric are all vying for a starting place already at Chelsea, this looks like it would be a fairly meaningless acquisition, not least because the Blues It was transferred for £80 million If they want to get the rising Argentine.

He was hailed for his “incredibly full” profile for such a young defender Talent scout Jacek KulejDiomande could be shaping up to be one of Europe's finest. Chelsea need to ensure that happens at Stamford Bridge.

Garnacho is also an exciting talent capable of doing magical things, but is he really what the Marisca Project needs now, especially after questions have been raised? Regarding his temperament?

A really talented player, struggling a bit under the stormy conditions at Old Trafford, but still Eight goals and five assists In all competitions this season, he is doing enough to prove that he has a big future ahead of him.

Jarnacho's former Manchester United teammate, Fred, And he even said In the past, he said, “He will be one of the best players in the world for sure.”

However, Chelsea need to make the right decision if they are going to invest a significant amount in signing a rising star. If it boils down to choosing one perfect goal, Diomande is the one to aim for.