Chelsea are reportedly weighing up the possibility of signing Thiago Silva on a free transfer, with the Brazilian keen on playing Premier League football.
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Thiago Silva in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian defender, who is set to call time on his PSG stint at the end of the season, is also the subject of interest from AC Milan and Fiorentina, but is keen on making the switch to the Premier League.
Thiago Silva was already regarded as one of the most consistent defenders in Europe when he made his way to PSG from AC Milan in the summer of 2012. Over the last eight years, though, the Brazil international has made some giant strides to now be rated among the best defenders in the world.
Since joining PSG, the 35-year-old has made over 300 appearances, becoming the club captain for the Parisians while leading them to 23 honours. A 24th trophy with Les Parisiens could be on the cards when they take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League final soon. Silva’s time at PSG, though, is coming to an end once the season culminates; and, Chelsea could well sign him.
The report suggests that Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Silva, possibly by his agent, although other clubs are lining up for him as well. Fiorentina and former club AC Milan, who have been heavily linked with him lately, are interested in the Brazilian international. Chelsea, though, seem to be responding to the offer they have received.
The Blues are set to hold talks with Silva over a possible two-year contract, which is the player’s preference as well. Offering such a deal would be uncharacteristic of Chelsea, but the experience the player brings would be invaluable for the west Londoners, who are in real need of a top class centre-back this summer.
This past season, Frank Lampard had the likes of Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Fikayo Tomori and Antonio Rudiger at his disposal, as far as centre-backs are concerned. But, with each of the four defenders being suspect due to one reason or another, Chelsea ended up conceding an eye watering 54 goals in the Premier League – the highest in the top half of the table.
As a result, the need to sign a centre-back has propped up for Chelsea, with Ben White being among the options considered. Silva, though, could probably be a better addition in a Chelsea backline that has been crying out for someone experienced to guide the youngsters at the heart of the defence.
Signing Silva could also mean Chelsea can send Tomori out on loan to gain some much needed experience, with Rennes showing interest in a temporary deal. The English giants, meanwhile, could be leading the race to sign the Brazilian stalwart, who favours a switch to the Premier League, as per the report.
Silva is even prepared to see his £1.3 million-a-month wages drop, which certainly keeps the suitors in good stead. What now remains to be seen is if Chelsea indeed go ahead with their interest in Silva, who could be on his way to Stamford Bridge this summer.
