Chelsea have abandoned their search for a dream purchase for the centre-back, stating that the first step has been taken for a Real Madrid target at a more modest price.
Les Bleus have no shortage of characteristics in central defence, there are many questions looming over Mauricio Pochettino’s defence.
Thiago Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season and there is no indication that he will be presented with an extension so far.
Wesley Fofana’s Blues career has been hampered by injuries, while Benoit Badiashile has struggled in the rare events he has been involved in this season.
Axel Disasi has more or less justified his £39m value so far, while Levi Colwill continues to be used as a left-back rather than a centre-back. Trevoh Chalobah, on the other hand, is for sale.
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea are keen to sign a new centre-back to clear the fog in the centre of their defence.
According to The Sun, Les Bleus have turned their attractions towards Benfica and Portuguese ace Antonio Silva, and have even concocted a cash-plus player offer involving Armando Broja.
20-year-old Silva is a regular at the back for Benfica and has already made seven appearances for his country despite his tender age.
Benfica have proven themselves a fantastic proving ground for rising stars in recent years and have collected huge fees for the likes of Ruben Dias, Enzo Fernandez and Darwin Nunez.
Silva’s current contract with Benfica doesn’t expire until 2027 and also contains a release clause worth an even €100m.
Benfica are convinced that they will not sell this month for a penny less than the total asking price. As such, Fabrizio Romano has stated that it is incredibly difficult to reach an agreement for Chelsea and compatriot Manchester United.
“One deal that probably won’t come to fruition in January is Antonio Silva,” Romano told Caught Offside.
“Despite the most recent rumours about Chelsea, I haven’t heard any updates so far and all resources expect any deal to be more than complicated in January, as Benfica don’t need to sell him.
“Manchester United have explored him several times and he is still one of the players they like, although not at the moment; He’ll be too beloved in January. “
According to the latest news from The Sun, Chelsea have not taken long to leave Silva and he is now Aitor Paredes of Athletic Bilbao.
He claims Chelsea have “lined up” the 23-year-old and hope to reach an agreement this month.
The first step towards that goal has reportedly been taken, with the report adding that Chelsea contacted Athletic and asked the club to set a price for the right foot.
Athletic have been reluctant to cite a figure so far, the report claiming that a payment of around £20m deserves to be enough to close a deal.
Les Bleus have seen Paredes no less than seven times this season. Paredes played for fourth-placed Athletic in La Liga and reportedly vying for a spot on Spain’s squad for Euro 2024, yet to make his senior debut.
Some of the characteristics that convinced Chelsea Paredes to sign included the player’s athleticism, his ability to play with the ball, and his speed of recovery.
Paredes is also considered a target for Real Madrid, who have in defence. Eder Militao and David Alaba are sidelined with ACL injuries.
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