Chelsea are facing a potential stumbling block in their race to renew Thiago Silva’s deal beyond the summer in the form of an unnamed middle eastern club.
Chelsea have begun discussions with the 37-year-old defender whose body language seems positive, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano who announced via his Twitter page that Thiago Silva’s Chelsea future was “not in doubt”.
The new deal, if signed, will keep the Brazilian at Stamford Bridge for one more summer.
However, this move is now being challenged by a very lucrative offer from a club in the middle east to Thiago Silva.
Transfer insider, Ian McGarry, revealed this on his podcast, The Transfer Window Podcast. “It is our information that we have obtained here at the Transfer Window that Thiago Silva has a significant financial offer to continue his career in the Middle East,” he said.
“Which of course in terms of money would be attractive because it would be tax-free and the leagues of course are not overly competitive.
“But Silva himself is extremely competitive.”
Meanwhile, Duncan Castles, speaking on the same episode of the podcast where Ian McGarry revealed the real situation of things with Chelsea and Thiago Silva, claimed that Chelsea could allow the defender leave.
According to Castles, the Blues will only allow the defender leave on one condition. The condition is if the Brazilian expresses a wish to quit the club.
“I would be surprised if Chelsea allowed him [Thiago Silva] to leave easily,” Castles told the Transfer Window Podcast.
“Obviously, if the offer is so substantial that it’s difficult for them to match and they put it to Thiago Silva that you are going to have to take less money if you want to remain in the top tier of European football, then perhaps they will allow him to go if that’s his wish.”
Chelsea hoping to speed up transfer for Kounde; Borussia Dortmund inquire about Ziyech
Elsewhere, Chelsea are making moves to sign long-term defensive target, Jules Kounde, from Sevilla. The Blues reportedly have an agreement in place to sign the player in the summer, but new reports that the club is exploring options to sign him in January have emerged.
Chelsea is not expected to be busy in the January window but the new reports now suggest otherwise, as Kounde himself is reportedly also pushing for the move to happen in January.
Duncan Castles believes that all that stands between Kounde and a January move to Stamford Bridge is the agreement of a transfer fee before the window is up.
Chelsea could also be receiving a bid from Borrusia Dortmund for Hakim Ziyech.
Erling Haaland is all but officially done with BVB and in the summer, should be moving on to another club. Dortmund, who are trying to keep the Norwegian at the club by offering him double of his current salary are also preparing for the event that Haaland leaves.
Ziyech has emerged as a replacement for the striker according to latest reports.
Barcelona and AC Milan are reportedly eyeing a move for the former Ajax forward and now, Dortmund are throwing their hat in the ring for the Morrocan according to Italian outfit, Calciomercato.
Ziyech has failed to impress at Stamford Bridge to the chagrin of fans. Speaking about Ziyech last month, manager Thomas Tuchel said: “I think there is space to improve in his decision making, connections on the pitch, where to be more consistent.
“We always rely on his work rate, counter-pressing and awareness. It is a huge part of his performances.
“He can still be more clinical and maybe grow more into the rhythm, but I think his shoulder injury hurt him a lot.”
