Chelsea are leading the race for the £67million star who would be a better signing than Garnach

Chelseaa mid-season review reveals promise for years to come, with Enzo Marescatactics to get the club back into the competition for Champions League football after two seasons outside the qualification places.

Maresca’s coaching spirit has been under pressure in recent weeks, with Italian commentary that the management of the Stamford Bridge squad is a “disaster” during the winter transfer window, as constant rumors of move-in and move-out activities have an unsettling effect on a host of players.

There is no doubt that Chelsea’s form has taken a turn for the worse of late, failing to win any of their past four Premier League meetings, but the Blues will reclaim their place in the top four with a win on Monday night after Newcastle United beat Bournemouth.

Maresca will be hoping his side can rebuild some of their defensive resilience, although Chelsea are understood to be keen to strengthen this month.

Players such as Marc Guehi is praised but it’s actually someone from overseas who might be at the top of BlueCo’s wish list.

Chelsea transfer news in January

Trevoh Chalobah was effectively recalled by Chelsea from his loan spell at Crystal Palace last week, so Guehi has been whisked out of town to west London this month.

However, Caught offsides are detected that Chelsea are keeping their options open and are actually favorites to sign Lisbon centre-half Ousmane Diomande despite strong interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Diomande has an €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract, but Chelsea have paid that much for talented young centre-backs in the past and this one has the signs of something truly special.

What would Ousmane Diomande bring to Chelsea

At the age of 21, Diomande soared to success in Portugal, amassing 85 senior appearances for Sporting and especially lifting the championship title in 2023/24.

The Ivorian international has completed an incredible 94% of his passes in the Portuguese top flight this season, winning 72% of his aerial duels and averaging 4.9 turnovers per game, according to Sofascorewhich showcases his athleticism on top of a strong skill base.

According to FBrefDiomande ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Liga Portugal this season for passes completed, top 4% for passes attempted and top 13% for aerial battles won per 90, perfectly illustrating the blend of ball-playing quality and physicality that would enable him to succeed at Marescino system.

Considering that Diomande is still only 21 but has already developed into one of the most technically capable defenders in Europe, it is clear that Chelsea should do everything in their power to prevent the likes of Arsenal from snapping him up.

As previously stated, Chelsea are not narrowed down 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 is on the Blues’ shopping list.

David Ornstein of the Athletic has even confirmed that inquiries have been made to see if the Red Devils will be tempted to cash in, but if priority is placed on one area, securing a talent like Diomande is far more important than any snooping around for a colorful winger like Garnach .

Firstly, Wesley Fofana is out until the later stages of the 2024/25 campaign. and begins to notice how the fans’ faith in his fitness maintenance is waning.

There’s also the matter of Chelsea’s bloat up top, with Garnacho best on the left. With the likes of Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Mykhayl Mudryk already fighting for a starting place at Chelsea, it would seem a somewhat pointless acquisition, not least because the Blues they are quoted at £80 million if they want to land the budding Argentine.

Praised for his “incredibly complete” profile for such a young defender talent hunter Jacek KuligDiomande could develop into one of the best in Europe. Chelsea must ensure that happens at Stamford Bridge.

Garnacho is also an exciting talent capable of magical things, but is he really what Maresca’s project needs right now, especially after questions about his temperament?

There is a really talented player there, he suffers a little because of the stormy conditions at Old Trafford, but with eight goals and five assists in all competitions this season, he is doing enough to prove that he has a great future ahead of him.

Garnach’s former Man United team-mate, Fred, he even said in the past that “he will surely be one of the best players in the world.”

However, Chelsea must make the right decision if they intend to invest a significant sum in the rising star. If it all comes down to choosing one perfect target, Diomande is the one to go for.