Reims striker Boulaye Dia is still dreaming of a move to the Premier League despite missing out on a January move to Arsenal, Everton or West Ham United, speaking to Progress.
No wonder David Guion is relieved.
The Reims boss made no secret of the fact uncertainty over the future of his star player was keeping him awake at night.
Arsenal and Everton had expressed an interest in Dia, according to Le10 Sport, while West Ham made a bid of their own in the final few days of the transfer window (France Football).
But, after the Hammers baulked at Dia’s lofty price tag, one of Ligue 1’s breakthrough stars was destined to stay at the Stade Auguste-Delaune – much to the delight of Guion.
However, if the 24-year-old can maintain the form that has seen him emerge as Kylian Mbappe’s closest rival for the Golden Boot, you can guarantee clubs on the other side of the Channel will come calling again before long.
“Where I go, I want playing time. I have to find a project where I will improve myself further. We must not rush,” says the speedy, skilful Dia, who has scored 12 goals in 2020/21.
“The Premier League attracts me – but it attracts everyone. It is a championship I would like to discover, one of the best in the world. If I have the opportunity to play there, it will be a reward for me.”
Dia is clearly a player with a sensible head on his shoulders who has his feet on the ground.
He was never going to force a move away from Reims and, while many players would throw a strop after being priced out of a move to England, Dia is fully focused on keeping mid-table Reims clear of the relegation zone.
“It’s not that hard (to miss out on a transfer). I’m just pretending it’s nothing. It’s not me who manages all this but my agent and my family,” he adds.
“Today, I am told I am worth £15 million whereas two years ago I was playing in the N2 (fourth tier of French football).
“We know in football the price tag of an attacker who scores regularly increases very quickly and quite highly.”
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