Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brazilian star Pedro Lima, and Les Bleus are in the race to sign the 17-year-old.
Real Madrid were keen to sign the Sport Recife full-back, seeing him as Dani Carvajal’s long-term successor on the right.
Chelsea continue their efforts to recruit South America’s brightest talent, their move to Lima is now at an “advanced stage”.
Lima is expected to join Strasbourg immediately on loan. The French club, in which Todd Boehly’s consortium acquired a majority stake last year, signed the loan of young Blues Andrey Santos and Angelo last season, and the same agreement is coming for Lima.
Lima manager Renato Guimarães told Globo Esporte that his consumer has agreed a salary package with the Premier League side, and that clauses are being worked out in the deal.
Chelsea are believed to pay an advance of £6. 7 million.
“There has been progress in the negotiations, but they are still finished,” Guimarães said.
“The salary component has been agreed, but there are still certain clauses of the contract to be defined, some bonuses. “
If the deal goes through, Lima will be the latest young Brazilian to sign for Chelsea as part of their ambitious recruitment campaign in South America.
Last month, they agreed an initial £29m deal with Palmeiras to sign Estevao Willian, with the winger moving to Stamford Bridge in 2025. Last summer, Angelo and Deivid Washington joined the Array.
Tosin Adarabioyo became Chelsea’s first signing of the summer last week, taking advantage of Fulham to sign for his new team on a flexible transfer.
Enzo Maresca’s side are also believed to be a move for Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, with reports suggesting the Argentine foreigner is stepping away to gain more playing time.
Atletico Madrid have already taken steps to sign the striker, a move that the Premier League champions temporarily rejected.
Put us in your feed