Sevilla are reportedly eyeing a January move for Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz, viewed as an emergency cover for Youssef En-Nesyri.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Mariano Diaz is the subject of interest from Sevilla over a move in the January transfer window. The Real Madrid striker is viewed as an emergency cover for Youssef En-Nesyri, who has been sidelined for around three months.
Mariano Diaz is currently in his second spell with Real Madrid, having returned from Lyon in the summer of 2018 following a one-year stint with the Ligue 1 outfit. However, it has not been a happy return by any means for the 28-year-old, who has had to play second-fiddle to Karim Benzema in the last three years.
The same has been the case so far in the 2021/22 season, with Mariano making just one appearance while providing an assist in that outing. As per widespread reports, things have reached a head for the 28-year-old, who could soon be on his way out of Real Madrid. And La Liga rivals Sevilla would be willing to provide him with an escape route out of Real Madrid.
Los Nervionenses have been forced into the transfer market for a striker after Youssef En-Nesyri picked up an injury that will leave him on the sidelines for around three months. Julen Lopetegui does have alternatives in his squad in the form of Rafa Mir and Munir El Haddadi.
However, Munir is only a backup option, which is perhaps why Sevilla are searching for a striker who can come in and hit the ground running in the January transfer window. To that end, the La Liga club has shown an interest in Edinson Cavani and Alexandre Lacazette, with Mariano also on their radar.
The 28-year-old has years of experience in La Liga, even if that has not come in the form of regular game-time. So, he is surely an attractive option for Sevilla, with Real Madrid unlikely to stand in his way if they receive an appealing enough offer. However, with Newcastle United and Valencia also linked with him, the Andalusian club will need to launch the offensive quickly.
Having said that, with two viable alternatives also on their radar, Sevilla do appear to have a safety net in place in case they are unable to land Mariano. For now, the Real Madrid striker has popped up on the agenda of the Merengues’ La Liga rivals, and it remains to be seen if a January move sees the light of the day.
