Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has been the subject of transfer interest this week.
Emmanuel Latte Lath joined Boro from Serie A outfit Atalanta BC in the summer of 2023.
The Ivorian was signed to replace Chuba Akpom, who moved to Ajax in the same window after an impressive 2022/23 campaign.
Akpom found the net 29 times in all competitions during his final season at the Riverside Stadium, playing a key role in Michael Carrick’s men reaching the Championship play-off semi-finals.
Middlesbrough have struggled to sign quality centre-forwards over the years, with Akpom the first and only player to score 20+ goals in a single season for the club since legend Fabrizio Ravanelli in 1996/97.
As a result, Latte Lath had some big boots to fill when he moved to England but, for the most part, has lived up to expectations.
The 25-year-old had a slow start to life on Teesside but ended the previous campaign by scoring 11 in his last 12 league matches.
Middlesbrough transfer stance on Emmanuel Latte Lath is clear
Such impressive form bodes well for the striker going into the 2024/25 Championship season.
However, it has also brought with it some unwanted interest from around Europe.
Latte Lath has been linked with a Middlesbrough exit this week as reports in Italy claim Wolverhampton Wanderers, RB Salbruzg and AS Monaco are all interested in his services.
Losing their top scorer so close to the new season would be a major blow for the North East outfit but the club are keen to ensure that does not happen.
Speaking exclusively to Boro News, HITC Journalist Graeme Bailey explained Middlesbrough’s stance on selling Latte Lath this month.
He said: “Middlesbrough are not looking to sell – am told that it would take a bid of over £20million for Boro to even consider it – but Boro are not looking to sell at the moment.
“Michael Carrick likes him and he is hugely important for what he wants to do.”
Latte Lath to face tough competition at Middlesbrough in 2024/25
Carrick and co. keeping hold of Latte Lath this summer will boost Middlesbrough’s promotion chances massively.
If the striker can come close to repeating his form from the end of 2023/24 across an entire campaign, a top-two finish could be on the cards.
However, the two-time capped international looks set to face some heavy competition at the Riverside in the coming campaign.
Josh Coburn is expected to stay at the club this summer and continue fighting for his place up front.
New signing Delano Burgzorg was used as a centre-forward while on loan at Huddersfield Town, providing another striker option for Carrick.
Middlesbrough are close to signing Tommy Conway from Bristol City as well. Boro will pay £5m for the 21-year-old but that deal is not expected to be completed until after this weekend’s meeting with Swansea City.