AliousNottingham Forest Reportedly Table £34m Bid for Rising Star Assane Diao as Summer Transfer Strategy Gains Momentum
Nottingham Forest have reportedly made a significant move in the transfer market, tabling a £34 million offer for highly-rated teenage winger Assane Diao, currently playing for Como 1907 in Serie A. The 19-year-old Senegal international, widely considered one of Europe’s most promising young talents, has been on Forest’s radar for over a year.
Diao initially joined Como from Real Betis in January for €11.5 million (£9.8m), following a spell of limited opportunities in Spain. However, his transition to Italian football has been impressive, netting six goals and providing one assist in just 14 league appearances, which has only intensified interest in his services.
According to Spanish outlet *Fichajes*, Forest have made a formal €40 million (£34m) bid, with the intention of securing the winger ahead of a crucial summer window. The offer could prove tempting for Como, although there are suggestions the club may wish to evaluate Diao further before making a final decision.
Any potential sale would also benefit Diao’s former club, Real Betis, who are entitled to 20% of the transfer fee — roughly €8 million (£6.8m) — as part of a sell-on clause.
Forest are not the only club monitoring the youngster. Manchester United and Juventus are reportedly tracking Diao, while Feyenoord — who had a bid turned down last summer — could reignite their interest. Tuttomercatoweb adds that Juventus’ attention was partly influenced by Forest’s rumored interest in Dusan Vlahovic, although no move appears imminent on that front.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have already strengthened their attacking options with the arrivals of Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva last summer. However, with both players still finding their footing in the Premier League, the club may be looking to further bolster competition for wide roles currently held by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.
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