Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Menino from Palmeiras.
According to Brazilian journalist, Paco Belmonte on Twitter, Premier League giants Chelsea are set to complete the transfer of Gabriel Menino from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.
Menino, 20, came through the youth academy of Palmeiras. The midfielder made his breakthrough into the first-team in March last year. Since then, he has gone on rack up 60 appearances for the club, contributing with four goals and seven assists in the process.
Menino is primarily a central midfielder by trade. However, over the course of his fledgeling career with Palmeiras, the 20-year-old has been used in a number of positions, having played as a right-back, a right-winger and even as a left midfielder.
INFORMAÇÃO: Gabriel Menino é jogador do Chelsea.
Triste, mas é verídico. pic.twitter.com/PHQcT833VZ
— Paco Belmonte ? (@PacoBelmonte_) April 4, 2021
Menino, on the back of his performances for Palmeiras even received a call-up to the Brazil national team, although he is yet to make his debut for the Selecao. However, it seems like the 20-year-old has done enough to earn himself a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea now believed to be set to complete his signing.
Reports of Blues showing an interest in Menino’s services emerged last month, with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid also said to have been in the race to sign him. The Blues have a well-stocked midfield unit with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Billy Gilmour.
But, Menino’s versatility may have played a role in Chelsea’s interest given as he could easily be used as an alternative for Reece James at right wing-back.
It was soon claimed that Palmeiras would be open to a sale for a transfer fee of around €20 million due to their financial problems owing to the pandemic. Now, Paco Belmonte is claiming that a move is complete, writing on Twitter that “Gabriel Menino is a Chelsea player”.
There’s nothing done or agreed for Gabriel Menino from Palmeiras to Chelsea. The Brazilian midfielder has been scouted but there’s nothing advanced as of today.
Also Atlético have not opened any talk to sign him. Many clubs interested, good talent but nothing serious yet. ? #CFC— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2021
However, those claims have been refuted by Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Chelsea have scouted the Brazilian midfielder, but there is nothing advanced with regard to his potential move to Stamford Bridge as things stand.
Romano also adds that a lot of clubs are interested in Menino but no talks have taken place with Chelsea, Atletico or any of the other suitors. It now remains to be seen as to which of the update his closer to the truth. But if the Blues do land Menino, he can be a fine asset for years to come.
