Chelsea have recently been linked with a move for Juventus and Brazil defender Gleison Bremer.
It has been claimed that Chelsea are considering making a swoop for Bremer when the transfer window reopens in January.
However, their plans to sign the centre-back may have been ruined after a recent development.
Bremer is a key player for Juventus, captaining the Old Lady in a couple of games this season.
Juventus defender Gleison Bremer wins header
Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images
Gleison Bremer set for knee surgery
Given that he is a key player for them, Juventus will not want to sell Bremer in the middle of the campaign.
They may not have to worry about interest from Chelsea and other clubs, though, with the Brazilian out injured and requiring surgery.
Juventus confirmed on their official club website on Monday that Bremer will undergo an operation following a knee injury.
It means that the 28-year-old could be out for a while, which could force Chelsea to end their interest in him and turn elsewhere.
The last thing that Enzo Maresca needs right now is another injured centre-half. He is already without Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, while Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile cannot be trusted with their track records.
Fofana has been on the grass at Cobham after sustaining a concussion, so he should at least be available for the weekend.
Gleison Bremer of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring
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Why Gleison Bremer appeals to Chelsea
Bremer has proven to be a top defender in Italy. Ivan Juric worked with Bremer at Torino and hailed him as the best player that he has ever coached.
Speaking in a press conference last month, which was relayed by IlBianconero, Juric said: “For me, when he’s 100%, he’s devastating. He’s on another level and the best player I’ve ever coached.”
Ultimately, Bremer is a quality centre-back who is affordable, making him a very attractive proposition to Chelsea.
It was recently reported that Bremer’s £52m release clause is what has caught Chelsea’s attention. But with the Brazil international requiring surgery, the Club World Cup winners may now be very reluctant to trigger it.