Everton and West Ham United are reportedly waging a transfer battle for the signature of 27-year-old Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia.
According to a report by Le Cronache Salerno, Boulaye Dia is gaining popularity in the Premier League. Everton and West Ham United are interested in signing the Salernitana striker. The Serie A club will demand around €20 million to part ways with the 27-year-old in the January transfer window.
The Advent of Boulaye Dia
Boulaye Dia has established himself as one of the most underrated strikers in Serie A since joining Salernitana. The Granata initially signed the Senegalese international on a loan deal for the 2022/23 season before completing a permanent transfer in the summer transfer window last year.
But the 27-year-old has struggled to stamp his authority thus far this season, with fitness issues also plaguing him. Dia has managed only four goals in 14 appearances across all competitions this term. But the player’s progress at the Serie A club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many clubs.
Well-known Premier League clubs, in particular, are keen on signing the former Villarreal striker. Recent reports have linked Boulaye Dia with Arsenal. Everton and West Ham United are now joined the race to sign him, with Salernitana demanding €20 million to part ways with him in the January transfer window.
Premier League Calling?
Everton signed two strikers in the summer transfer window, with Beto and Youssef Chermiti arriving at Goodison Park. In addition, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has overcome his fitness issues to become a regular for the Merseyside club. So, it is unclear why Everton might be interested in signing Dia, who they chased in the summer.
Similarly, West Ham United also targeted Boulaye Dia in the summer transfer window. But a move did not materialise, with Michail Antonio remaining at the London Stadium. However, West Ham’s continued interest in the 27-year-old is understandable, considering Antonio does not have much of a future at the club.
Everton and West Ham should be able to afford to pay the €20 million that Salernitana will demand to part ways with Boulaye Dia. It will be interesting to see if either Premier League club can prise him away from the Serie A outfit.
