Chelsea are reportedly willing to sell Renato Veiga despite Enzo Maresca demanding a new defender following Levi Colwill's injury. The Blues boss has been left light at the back after Colwill suffered a cruel ACL tear in a training session.
The injury is expected to keep the England international out for most of the 2025-26 season. Wesley Fofana, who missed most of last season and the Blues' Club World Cup triumph, could be rushed back for the club's first Premier League game against Crystal Palace next weekend. Benoit Badiashile is also injured, leaving Maresca with only Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorrel Hato and the inexperienced Aaron Anselmino as Maresca's only fit senior centre-backs.
Utility man Veiga, a signing from last summer, can also play in the middle of a back four. However, Chelsea are reportedly willing to let the Portuguese star leave this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the west Londoners have put Veiga up for sale and are in talks with several clubs over his future. A switch to Atletico Madrid is said to have fallen through.
The 22-year-old is reportedly open to starting a new chapter in his career after struggling since his arrival at Stamford Bridge a year ago. After making 18 appearances in the first half of last season, he was sent on loan to Juventus in the January transfer window.
Several clubs are understood to be keen on signing Veiga, who still has six years remaining on his contract with Chelsea. He seems unlikely to play any part in Maresca's squad next season.
Veiga was not part of Chelsea's travelling team for the Club World Cup. He did not feature in the matchday squad for their 2-0 friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday. It is unclear whether the former Sporting star will be part of today's clash with AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
That is all despite Maresca claiming his priority is to sign a new defender. The Italian said after the victory over Leverkusen: "It (a new defender) is a priority for me. Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him. He played a lot of games with me, I love him. We are going to miss him. We are also trying to find different solutions."
Chelsea face Milan today before beginning the new Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on August 17. Aside from Hato, who joined from Ajax, their summer spending has largely focused on forward recruits.