Chelsea are considering signing Thiago Silva on a free transfer, with the Brazilian defender set to make a decision on his future to Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Sunday.
Frank Lampard is looking for defensive reinforcements and has offered the chance to sign Silva, whose contract at PSG has expired. The representatives of the former Milan full-back have held talks with Chelsea, who are waking up if the 35-year-old’s incredible experience would improve a shaky back four.
Silva, who led Brazil to the 2014 World Cup, has interest from elsewhere. Fiorentina have offered him a two-year deal and one concern for Chelsea will be whether Silva, who turns 36 next month, could handle the pace and intensity of the Premier League at his age.
However, the statement is important for Chelsea, who conceded 54 goals in the league despite finishing fourth last season. Silva, who joined PSG from Milan in 2012, is one of the best center-backs of his generation and has played a key role in helping the French club reach their first Champions League final.
While he does not miss pace, signing up for a free transfer can prove a canine move. Chelsea have other center-back goals, including Atlético Madrid’s José Giménez, Ben White’s Brighton and West Ham’s Declan Rice, but could struggle to land them this summer.
Lampard has been told he needs to raise funds by relocating one of his four center-backs. Fikayo Tomori has been loaned out by Rennes and Kurt Zouma has been linked with PSG, while Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen have less than two years left on their deals.
Chelsea, who are close to stepping up their attack by signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, are also looking for a new left-back and there is growing confidence they will be successful in their pursuit of Ben Chilwell. While Leicester will charge a high price for Chilwell, sources believe England’s defender will secure a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Lampard is set to support his backroom staff by recruiting Wigan Athletic’s Anthony Barry. Barry is understood to be on good terms with Lampard and his coaching has impressed the Chelsea boys who have been on loan at Wigan.
Meanwhile, Lewis Dunk has ended speculation about his future at Brighton by signing a new five-year contract.
.
