With Habib Diara and Rhinedo already in their middle, Sunderland now reportedly stepped up the 11-goal striker pursuit by submitting an opening offer.
Sunderland was able to sign after Diarra and Lineard
Both Diala and Reindy stand out as impressive signatures on the promoted side, with the former supposed to make his mark, especially at the wearside next season. However, there is still work to do for black cats. Maintaining a Premier League location is a very tough job – ask the last six aspects you tried to do – and further investment is important.
Even after he issued a club record fee for Diarra, Black Cats reportedly set the sights on signing signatures like Abdoulaye Doucure, which is a bargain price thanks to his current status as a free agent.
The French left Everton at the end of last season and now have the opportunity to stay in the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland. It is a transaction that works for both parties as well. The Doucure experience is invaluable next to young talents like Diara and Player himself.
However, he is not the only name on Sunderland’s wish list. People at the Stadium of Light reportedly set their sights on Hamed Traore in Bournemouth. Like Dearra, attackers were able to get permanent moves from Cherry this summer thanks to Sunderland and another club.
Ligue 1 also appears to be on the Regis Lubris side, in further reports that it has submitted an opening offer to sign an impressive striker from the top tier in France.
Sunderland submits and signs the opening offer
As reported by Foot Mercato, Sunderland has now submitted an opening offer worth 20 million euros (£17 million) to sign FC Nantes’ Matthis Abline this summer. The Black Cat has already made contact with the French side about the forward earlier this summer and has made the first move to pursue his signature.
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Better Signature than Diara: Sunderland is currently targeting “Fantastic” £18 million stars
Sunderland’s rapid summer business shows no signs of slowing down as new targets are now appearing on the shopping list.
Whether their £17 million offer is enough to complete is the question that Sunderland might get an answer soon. Nantes has already told Marseille that he will only sell the Star Striker for €50 million (£43 million) in the coming months, but it is still not seen whether non-French clubs will have to pay such premium fees.
Described by analyst Ben Matinson as a “quick” and “direct”, Abline scored 11 goals in all competitions at Nantes last season, giving him the opportunity to repeat that record in the Premier League, where August arrived.