Dream Chelsea defence as Ousmane Diomande signs in double transfer

Another summer full of change is expected to happen at Chelsea and the first big one has already been confirmed.

Enzo Maresca has been appointed the new Blues head coach on a five-year contract with the Italian replacing Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout. The 44-year-old will officially begin his new role on July 1, in time for Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States later that month.

And by the time the actual season starts a month later, Maresca will be hoping to have more or less his complete squad for the remainder of the campaign. There are a load of transfer rumours flying about as usual with Chelsea – and not least in the defensive department. So, with that said, football.london takes a look at Chelsea’s ‘dream’ transfer window to improve their defence.

Tosin signs

The summer transfer window has not officially opened yet, but Chelsea are already close to their first signing. The Blues are expected to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer this summer, football.london understands.

The 26-year-old is set to leave Fulham later this month with his contract at Craven Cottage coming to an end. Newcastle United have also spoken to Tosin about a move but the defender looks set to pick Stamford Bridge instead of St. James’ Park for the next stage of his career.

With Thiago Silva leaving to join Fluminense, Chelsea have acted swiftly so they do not leave themselves short in the centre-back department. On Tuesday afternoon, sources told football.london that Tosin has been completing medical tests at Cobham ahead of a long-term deal.

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Diomande joins

Ousmane Diomande, someone that has been on the Chelsea radar for quite some time now, remains a target heading into the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old central defender has three years remaining on his contract with Sporting CP but is widely expected to leave the Portuguese club after an impressive 2023/24 season.

Diomande has been scouted intensely by Chelsea and is on a shortlist of possible centre-back reinforcements this summer. The Blues have been in contact with his representatives in recent windows, football.london understands, so it is definitely a situation to keep an eye on.

Fofana fitness

Wesley Fofana did not kick a single ball competitively throughout the 2023/24 season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the summer beforehand. The club are hopeful the France international will travel to the United States this summer for the pre-season tour but will of course be cautious in reintroducing him to action.

Fofana was signed from Leicester for £70million in the summer of 2022. Unfortunately, though, it has been a bit of an injury nightmare for the talented centre-back since moving to Stamford Bridge. If Maresca can somehow keep Fofana fit for the most part of the campaign, then he will have a seriously talented player to pick.