Chelsea interested in trying their hand at signing FC Porto ace Luis Diaz
According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra (h/t football.london), Chelsea are amongst three English clubs monitoring the progress of FC Porto star Luis Diaz. The 24-year-old is one of the main stars of the Portuguese club and has been sensational this season.
Diaz graduated from the Barranquilla academy from his home country before joining Junior FC. In 2019, he sealed a move to Porto and helped them win the league title in his debut season. His numbers got better last season, but Sporting CP pipped them to the trophy. But the winger is now garnering interest from the top clubs in Europe, and a move could be in the making.
Chelsea need to keep Diaz as a contingency plan
Since joining the Primeira Liga outfit in 2019, Diaz has banged in 37 goals and provided a further 15 assists in 116 appearances. But his performances have gotten far better this season, as he has 12 goals and 2 assists to his name in just 19 games. This has enabled the club to be top of the league table currently.
Chelsea could use the 24-year-old’s services next season. There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. The Moroccan is yet to kickstart his career at Stamford Bridge as injuries have ruined his chances of maintaining consistency.
Timo Werner has suffered in front of goal and has missed vital chances to prove his worth to Tuchel. The duo remains an important part of the squad this season but inconsistent and lacklustre performances could see them drift out of the starting XI on a more regular basis. In such a scenario, the Colombian would be useful.
The Porto ace possesses the ability to play on both wings, which makes him a great prospect. Tuchel often tinkers with his system and uses his players in multiple positions. Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Mason Mount have played in several roles under the German boss.
Moreover, if Diaz provides a goal threat, he could be a success at the West London club. However, the Blues should look to evaluate the futures of Ziyech and Werner if they want to make a permanent decision regarding this transfer.
The financial aspect
If Chelsea are well and truly interested in the player, they shall have to put the money where their mouth is. Diaz is expected to cost around £42.4million, which is a sizeable investment for a player that does not have experience playing in the Premier League.
Liverpool and Everton are also eager on signing the South American, and a bidding war might lead to an inflated price. However, there is no indication of that happening as of now. But if the London club can earn substantial income from the potential sales of Werner and Ziyech, this move could be funded in an easier manner.
Thus, the figures need to be crunched before proposing an offer to the player. He could become a star in the coming years, and Chelsea would not want to regret not making an effort to sign him later. But only time will tell whether they go hot and heavy to land his signature.
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Currently, the Blues’ squad seems good. They are the UEFA Champions League winners this year and are leading the Premier League table. But a good club always plans for the future and looks to increase their strength in depth. Diaz would add a certain amount of attacking depth in the team but would make more sense as a signing if Tuchel saw some outgoings in that area- whenever that happens.
So, signing him would be a solid move, especially with the future in mind. But if the club misses out on him, it’s not like it would be the end of the world for them. They have the squad to navigate through multiple competitions and many of those talented attackers are still very young.
