Chelsea have stepped up the pace in their pursuit of resuscitating their back four. Scouts were present to observe Benfica’s 21-year-old Antonio Silva when Benfica entertained the Blues in the Club World Cup. They kept a close eye on the centre-half, and Silva did well to improve his prospects.
He saw off a series of attacks and made a vital defensive stop to head Marc Cucurella’s curling effort off the line during the game. Chelsea’s interest in Silva is longstanding, but is now further along the agenda as they attempt to sign some good cover.
Their business continues, however, pending expected departures. Fringe players are expected to leave, freeing up money and space in the dressing room for new arrivals. The Todd Boehly-led board is reportedly targeting a minimum of two signings at the back, with the Blues also holding discussions to sign Ajax’s highly rated youngster Jorrel Hato.
One of the sources indicated that contacts have already been established with Hato, suggesting that Chelsea prefers to target both defensive players. To balance the books, however, someone has to go. The Silva and Hato deals will hinge on how quickly Chelsea can fill the gaps left by departing players, especially in defense, which already has some gaps.
Meanwhile, Juventus will back up their words on Antonio Silva by making a reported €35 million structured loan approach to persuade Benfica. Chelsea must now walk a tightrope in attempting to hasten talks if they are going to win the signature of one of Europe’s most sought-after young centre-backs.
Chelsea Continue to Work on Departures
Chelsea’s hierarchy is keeping their cards close to their chests at this stage, with scouts already on the ground to gather detailed dossiers in advance before moving on a deal. If Chelsea are tied up with business related to departures, then a swift counter-march should ensue to sign either Silva, Hato, or indeed both.
The signings will keep their blue-chip project in full voice under Boehly’s ambitious stewardship. In the meantime, the Blues’ summer transfer soap opera will focus on who will leave Stamford Bridge to make room for fresh faces to arrive and help Enzo Maresca strengthen the defense.