The need for a commanding centre-back at Chelsea is growing after Saturday’s dismal 1-1 draw with Burnley, and reports claim Chelsea want Enzo Fernández’s old pal, Antonio Silva.
It’s been an issue for Chelsea ever since Thiago Silva left. Chelsea lack a leader in the middle of defence, and that was missing on Saturday once again, as Zian Flemming waltzed in unopposed to score a header.
More points dropped for Liam Rosenior and Chelsea, who said Chelsea have set fire to four points in the last two games, having conceded twice against Leeds. Chelsea desperately need a leader at the back.
When will Trev get his flowers? 💐
TalkingPoints user discussing Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The 22-year-old has been immense for Benfica, already widely experienced. The defender has clocked up 172 appearances for his boyhood club, while winning 18 caps for Portugal at this early stage of his career.
Chelsea are considering a move for Antonio Silva
The Blues have already compiled a shortlist of centre-backs they are set to target in the summer despite recalling Mamadou Sarr. Liverpool beat Chelsea to the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January.
Antonio Silva in action against Enzo Fernandez.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
According to Flash Scores, Chelsea are monitoring Silva and have been doing so a while. The report also claims Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern’s Kim Min-jae and Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian ace Murillo.
Silva has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Benfica, a contract which includes an £84m release clause according to A Bola. Enzo Fernandez played alongside defender Silva 21 times in a Benfica shirt.
What Jan Vertonghen said about Antonio Silva
Whether Benfica want as much as the £84m release clause remains to be seen, but come the summer, the defender will have entered the final year of his contract, and Benfica may have to reduce his price tag.
If you could spend £50m on a centre-back, who are YOU choosing? 💵
Forest want £50m for Murillo.
It could give Chelsea a chance to nab themselves a bit of a bargain with a club they have done business with before. Especially, for a player, Jan Vertonghen described as “one of the best in the world” in 2023.
Vertonghen played with Silva at Benfica, and told CNN in 2023: “He will be a legend. If he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he has everything to be one of the best defenders in the world in a year or two.”
If Chelsea need a leader with a big reputation at centre-back, Silva can be that man. He might be 22, but he is already vastly experienced, playing with the aura of an older centre-back. He could be perfect.
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