Chelsea and Tottenham have reportedly shown an interest in FC Porto’s Colombian winger Luis Diaz, who starred at the 2021 Copa America this summer.
According to Portuguese publication Maisfutebol, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur could be set to go head-to-head in the race to sign FC Porto and Colombia attacker Luis Diaz before the transfer window closes.
Diaz spent the early parts of his career with Colombian clubs Barranquilla FC and Junior FC before making the switch to Porto in the summer of 2019. And, the 24-year-old has grown into a key player for the Dragons in his two years at the club, racking up 100 appearances, in which he has 27 goals and 13 assists.
Diaz enjoyed a solid 2020/21 campaign season, but it was the Copa America 2021 that put the Colombian international on the map. The versatile forward, who can play on the left flank or up top as a central striker, finished the summer’s tournament as the joint-leading goalscorer alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Following his exploits with Los Cafeteros, Diaz has made a blazing start to the 2021/22 season as well, already scoring twice in three league games for Porto, with Chelsea and Tottenham now taking notice.
Chelsea have made just a couple of signings this summer, bringing in Marcus Bettinelli as the third-choice goalkeeper and re-signing Romelu Lukaku for a club-record fee earlier this month. While the focus is currently on the recruitment of a new central defender in the form of Jules Kounde, it seems like Thomas Tuchel & co. have also taken a liking to Diaz.
However, quite where he would fit in this Chelsea side would be a major question. As things stand, Tuchel already has Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi as options in the wide attacking midfield roles while Timo Werner can also play in the position. So, the late interest in the Colombian international does come off as a bit puzzling.
As for Tottenham, rumours of interest in Diaz had surfaced last month as well before quickly going cold. But it now seems like the Lilywhites continue to admire the 24-year-old Colombian forward. Tottenham have already brought in a new winger this summer in the form of Bryan Gil, at the expense of Erik Lamela.
Steven Bergwijn bouncing back into form has ensured that Gareth Bale’s departure after the end of his loan spell hasn’t felt. However, uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Harry Kane, which has forced Nuno Espirito Santo to use Son Heung-min as a No. 9 in recent games. In case the England captain does leave, there will be need for reinforcements, making Diaz a viable option to consider.
The fact that he can play out wide or at the top would mean Spurs could use his services even if Kane ends up staying, given that there is no real cover for him in the centre-forward slot. The report adds that both Chelsea and Tottenham are mulling over the possibility of making an offer for Diaz, who is contracted to Porto till 2024 and has a release clause worth €80 million.
