Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'keeping tabs on Santiago Gimenez, Assane Diao'

By Ben Sully | 23 November 2023

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez and Real Betis winger Assane Diao ahead of the January transfer window.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez and Real Betis winger Assane Diao as potential targets.

The Blues recruited a number of attacking players in the summer, including Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

Despite making those additions in the previous transfer window, Mauricio Pochettino is seemingly keen to bring in further attacking reinforcements in the new year.

Chelsea are believed to be prioritising a new striker, while they are also considering whether to sign a new winger.

According to Football Transfers, the Premier League side are keeping tabs on Feyenoord's Gimenez and Betis's Diao.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during game with Tottenham Hotspur on November 6, 2023. © Reuters

The report claims that Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is Chelsea's first-choice, but they are exploring alternative options in case their pursuit of the Nigerian proves to be fruitless.

Gimenez has caught the attention of Chelsea's recruitment staff with his impressive form in the Eredivisie this season.

The 22-year-old has racked up 13 goals in 12 league appearances this term, making him the second-highest scorer in the Dutch top flight.

In total, the Mexico international has scored 38 goals in 60 appearances since arriving from Cruz Azul in the summer of 2022.

With Gimenez under contract until June 2027, Feyenoord will only consider parting ways for a fee in the region of €40m (£34.8m).

Real Betis attacker Assane Diao on October 26, 2023 © Reuters

Chelsea are also monitoring Diao's progress, as they look to continue their policy of recruiting young prospects on long-term contracts.

Diao is being tracked by a number of clubs after breaking into Manuel Pellegrini's side in September when he made his senior bow in a Europa League defeat to Rangers.

The 18-year-old went on to make a significant impression on his La Liga debut, scoring the opener in a 1-1 draw with Granada.

Having seen the teenager establish himself as a first-team regular, Betis are reluctant to sanction a sale in the January window.