All the chips for Diogo

By: Peter Katsiris | July 29th, 2008

Breaking news from Greece reports that Olympiacos has made another offer for Portuguesa’s Diogo Luis Santo (aka Diogo). The offer is said to be around 11 million euros; a previous offer of 7 million euros was rejected earlier in the week. A recent rebuttle of Olympiacos officials has produced a filing of a more attractive offer to the newly promoted Brazilian club — the same club Olympiacos acquired defender Leonardo from last winter.

Diogo has attracted interest by Arsenal and an unnamed Italian club. Arsenal reportedly had an offer of €9 million rejected in June, but the highest bid is said to be from the unknown Italian club. A statement by Portuguesa in June gave insight to the transfer rumors. “Up to now the biggest offer has come from Italy, which was €12 million, but we will start to think about selling him at €15million.” It is also reported that Portuguese club SL Benfica were interested in Diogo. The 21 year-old is a coveted Brazilian prospect and is expected to be a big star in the future; with 18 goals in the domestic season last year, he is on the right track. It is unclear if Portuguesa will sell Diogo, as interviews with club officials indicate that the club is keen on keeping the youngster under contract until the end of the Brazilian season. This could be an after thought when you consider that the club is apparently in financial trouble and could sell if the offer to high to resist.

The striker himself has commented on his dream to play in Europe: “I’m going through a great moment with Portuguesa, but I have a dream of playing in Europe and if it happens now then I’m ready for it.”

Olympiacos are desperate to add another striker capable of scoring bundles of goals to the roster, and fast. Last year saw Darko Kovacevic lead the team in scoring with 17 tallies in the league alone. Despite the incredible display by Kovacevic last term, it is not expected for him to repeat that great a feat this year — especially with the departure of Lomana Lua Lua. The urge to sign a striker is under more urgency as the deadline for UEFA Champions League submission is only days away. Olympiacos are set to begin their European campaign in the 3rd Qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.