Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva, who will soon be a free agent.
According to a report from The Athletic, Chelsea seem to be closing in on a fix for their defensive problems, as the club are in advanced negotiations to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva on a free transfer.
During his time in the French capital, Silva went on to establish himself as one of the finest centre-backs in Europe. And while he may be entering the final juncture of his career at 35, the Brazilian has continued to essay a key role for Thomas Tuchel’s side as they chase European glory.
With his contract on the verge of expiry, Silva will be playing his final game for the French champions this weekend, when they take on Bayern Munich in the finals of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League. With that, Silva will bringing an end to a successful eight-year stint with the club, having joined them from AC Milan in 2012.
And, as per the aforementioned report, Silva could be set for a switch to the Premier League, with Stamford Bridge touted to be his next destination. Chelsea’s links with the Brazilian emerged earlier this week and it seems like negotiations have progressed well between the two parties, with Silva inching close to a transfer to west London.
The Blues are reportedly going against their policy of handing deals longer than one year for players over 30, by offering Silva a two-year contract.
Chelsea had an impressive season under Frank Lampard in 2019/20, finishing fourth in the Premier League and making it to the finals of the FA Cup. However, throughout the campaign, the Blues were plagued with defensive problems. They ended the season conceding 54 goals in the league – the most by any side in the top half of the table.
None of the centre-backs at Lampard’s disposal were reliable or consistent enough. And with reports linking both Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori with summer exits, it goes without saying that defensive reinforcements were a necessity at the Bridge this summer.
And while Silva will not represent a long-term fix by any means, his arrival should help Lampard plug the gap at the back to some extent. The leadership and ability to organise the defence that the PSG skipper brings to the table are traits that Chelsea lacked severely last term.
Chelsea have already signed Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech and Silva, now, seems to be closing in on a transfer. More incomings are expected at Stamford Bridge, with Ben Chilwell also inching closer to a switch.
