According to Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte, Chelsea and Liverpool have shown interest in signing Real Betis prodigy Assane Diao, impressed by his strong start to the season.
The 18-year-old has made a remarkable debut in senior football, netting four goals in 10 appearances for the Spanish side.
Several top clubs have been keeping an eye on his progress, and Mucho Deporte suggests that both clubs have made inquiries about his potential signing.
Real Betis are aware of the situation and are currently working on extending the youngster’s contract to raise his release clause from £26 million to £35 million.
Diao’s breakthrough season in La Liga has been remarkable. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team and has now drawn the attention of elite clubs.
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In addition to his goal-scoring abilities, the young player has showcased his defensive awareness, consistently winning more than seven duels per league game.
The youngster’s dribbling skills and distribution in the final third have also made a strong impression, hinting at his potential to become a top-tier player in the future.
Chelsea’s interest in him is not surprising, given their recent trend of signing emerging talents, reflecting their long-term project of building a strong team.
While Liverpool currently has a stable squad, there is a potential need for a young right winger in their team.
Mohamed Salah is the established starter in that position, but there might be a requirement for a successor in case the African ace decides to pursue a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia, which remains a possibility.
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Diao, although still developing, has shown promising early signs. Both Chelsea and Liverpool aim to secure his services at the earliest opportunity.
If the player’s release clause is applicable during the January transfer window, Betis might find themselves with no choice but to prepare for his potential departure.