Chelsea
Premier League • England
Chelsea target £21.5m swoop for Brazilian midfielder as Fabrizio Romano reveals next step of stockpiling by Boehly
Chelsea have turned their attention to another attacking talent from Brazil as they look to further equip themselves with stars of long-term potential, reports have revealed.
Since Todd Boehly’s ownership group took charge of Chelsea last year, they have invested in an abundance of talents for the future. At times, it has almost felt as if they are stockpiling the players to prevent rivals securing control of their careers instead.
The results are yet to really pay off on the pitch, but this is a long-term project. Therefore, Chelsea aren’t ready to slow down their recruitment drive any time soon.
According to the Daily Mail, they are now showing an interest in Matheus Franca. The attacking midfielder has made 53 appearances for Flamengo’s senior side so far, scoring nine goals.
Newcastle have already failed with a bid to sign him for £13.5m earlier this year. West Ham have also been mentioned as potential suitors more recently, as have Crystal Palace.
But now, Chelsea are attempting to secure a deal with Flamengo in the region of £25m.
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the Blues are in the hunt for Franca. The transfer expert has denied the existence of any active bid, but has revealed that talks between Chelsea and Flamengo will take place this week.
In Romano’s update, the price tag is estimated to be somewhere between €20m and €25m (£17.2m to £21.5m).
Flamengo warming to sale of Chelsea target
Flamengo publicly ruled out selling Franca in January. At the time, their vice-president Marco Braz told Vene Casagrande: “We do not put Matheus Franca up for sale. He is not for sale.
“We are not interested negotiating for Matheus Franca at this moment.”
But the Daily Mail has indicated that their stance has softened for this summer.
They still have him under contract until December 2027. Yet Chelsea could be about to test their resolve with a fairly significant offer.
Franca is still only 19 years of age but has been capped by Brazil at under-20 level and appears to have a bright future, which Chelsea want to take advantage of.
Back in January, they were already looking in the Brazilian market when wrapping up a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama, where the midfielder returned on loan until June.
This summer, they have also agreed a deal to sign Angelo from Santos. They are ready to send the youngster on loan to Strasbourg, another club under Boehly’s control, per reports.
At the other end of the age spectrum, their squad still contains veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva.