Everton ready to sign Assane Diao amid £38m development
Everton are reportedly in hot pursuit of Assane Diao and Nottingham Forest are also keen on securing his services.
The 19-year-old joined Como from Real Betis in the January transfer window and could be on his way out a few months later.
Diao has hit the ground running in Italy and that has seen his value skyrocket.
Diao exit on the cards in this transfer window
According to Sport (31 July), the Toffees are willing to meet the Serie A outfit’s demands to sign the Senegal international.
Nottingham Forest have also made an offer, but it was rejected by the Italian side.
Everton also tabled a £38.7million bid for Diao and that was also deemed insufficient by Como. (Sportmediaset, 29 July)
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Real Betis | 47 | 9 | 3 |
| Betis Deportivo | 25 | 8 | 2 |
| Como | 15 | 9 | 1 |
They were keen on signing him when he was at Real Betis as well, and they remain interested in bringing him to Merseyside.
It’s understood that Como want £64.6million if they are to part ways with Diao this summer.
Everton must avoid overpaying for Diao
Diao is a quality prospect and adds versatility across the front line.
His performances, following a £10.3million move from Real Betis, make him an attractive target for Everton, who need attacking depth.
However, paying over £60million is excessive for a player with only six months of top-flight consistency, especially given the Toffees’ financial constraints under profit and sustainability rules.
Como’s valuation and rejected bids, including from Nottingham Forest, signal a potential bidding war.
The Blues must avoid this, as Forest’s Champions League aspirations could inflate costs.
Prioritising cost-effective alternatives would better suit Everton’s budget and squad needs, ensuring fiscal prudence while still adding quality.
Takefusa Kubo is a target for Everton and signing him would make a lot of sense as he will not cost as much and would strengthen the playing eleven as well.
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