Real Madrid are reportedly considering Luis Diaz, who is also a target for Chelsea, as an alternative for priority target Erling Haaland.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid are keeping their options open in case they are unable to land Erling Haaland. The Spanish giants have set their sights on Luis Diaz as a potential alternative, with the FC Porto forward also on Chelsea’s radar.
Luis Diaz has come leaps and bounds since joining FC Porto from Junior FC in the summer of 2019. Over the last two years, the Colombian international, who is now a pivotal figure for club and country, has added layers to his game while becoming a prolific presence in the final third.
The 24-year-old has started the 2021/22 season strongly, having notched up a tally of seven goals and one assist in 13 appearances across all competitions. Diaz’s tremendous progress has duly been noted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Real Madrid are the latest club to have shown an interest in Luis Diaz, who is interestingly being pursued as a potential solution through the middle. The priority centre-forward target for Los Blancos is Erling Haaland, who has been heavily linked with a possible summer move. However, amid widespread interest in his services, Real Madrid should keep their options open.
Diaz, though, is not a striker by any means and is best utilised out wide as a winger. Nevertheless, it looks like Real Madrid plan on deploying Diaz through the middle as well if they do sign him. On the other hand, Chelsea could well do with a player of Diaz’s qualities, with the Colombian forward recently emerging on their radar.
The Blues have not been too prolific under Thomas Tuchel, with attacking players not chipping in with goals consistently. In particular, Timo Werner has blown hot and cold in front of goal, although he has been superb in build-up play. So, with the Chelsea boss searching for goals from players not named Romelu Lukaku, Diaz comes off as a viable target.
Apart from Real Madrid and Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been linked with Diaz, who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after players in Europe. With that in mind, it remains to be seen if Real Madrid end up launching the offensive for the 24-year-old, which could be the case if they are unable to land Haaland.