Watford set to sign seven-goal ace in £4.3m deal as Gino Pozzo plots promotion with ‘ambitious’ moves

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Watford are “in advanced talks” to complete the signing of a young midfielder to follow the impressive early business at Vicarage Road.

After the 2024/25 Championship season concluded, Watford sacked Tom Cleverley and replaced him as head coach with Paulo Pezzolano.

So far this summer, Hornets chief Gino Pozzo has been active in the market, intending to achieve a top-six place in the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

EFL Analysis tipped Watford for a play-off finish next season, and the arrivals of Hector Kyprianou, Marc Bola, and Nathan Baxter will be a massive benefit to Pezzolano for his maiden season in charge.

In addition to those signings, Watford are reportedly poised to sign a promising young forward for £4.3m.

• READ MORE: Watford sold a £10m striker ‘identical to Viktor Gyokeres’ and he scored 31 goals last season

Watford in advanced talks to sign Metz forward Pape Diallo

Aside from the three aforementioned signings, Watford have signed Vivaldo Semedo after beating Middlesbrough and Birmingham City to the striker’s signature.

Watford banked a big windfall after former Hornets ace Joao Pedro joined Chelsea, and now the club are looking to reinvest those funds wisely into another attacker, by targeting Metz forward Pape Diallo.

Senegalese youngster Diallo netted seven times and lodged five assists in 33 games in all competitions for the Ligue 2 outfit last term, and the highly-rated left-winger is poised for a move to Vicarage Road.

BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella revealed on X: “Watford are in advanced talks to sign forward Pape Diallo from Metz for £4.3m.

“Move is part of owner Gino Pozzo’s push to challenge for promotion. Follows ambitious signings Kyprianou, Baxter and Bola.”

Watford fans were delighted by Kyprianou’s signing, after his stellar season at the base of Peterborough United’s midfield in League One, and now the Hornets are set to land promising 21-year-old Diallo.

• READ MORE: West Brom door opens to £2.5m striker as manager admits Watford-linked star could be sold

Pape Diallo’s career statistics so far ahead of £4.3m Watford move

Since arriving at Metz from the Generation Foot academy of Senegal in 2023, Diallo has risen through the club’s ranks and gone on to score nine goals and register six assists in 53 appearances for the Metz first-team.

Last season, Diallo notched an assist for Metz in their final game, in a 3-1 win over Reims, which helped to secure the club’s promotion back to the French top flight.

Despite playing predominantly as a left-winger, Diallo is capable of operating on the right-flank as well, which will be a major boost to Pezzolano in his first gruelling 46-game Championship campaign.

Disappointment has crept into proceedings at Vicarage Road of late, with prized assets Imran Louza wanting to leave Watford, but the acquisition of forward Diallo will certainly negate that.

The Senegal international’s pace and technical prowess are raw, and must be polished under Pezzolano’s tutelage, but Diallo’s potential can undoubtedly see him make an impact next season as Watford push for a top-six spot.