Chelsea are reportedly set to conduct talks with Santos over the possibility of securing the transfer of Brazilian wonderkid Thiago Maia.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in Brazilian defensive midfielder Thiago Maia, according to journalist Jorge Nicola who is known for his connections in Brazil, especially with clubs in and around the Sao Paulo state. The report says that Chelsea are due to sit down with the player’s family and representatives in an attempt to work out a deal to bring Thiago Maia to the Stamford Bridge. Nicola adds that Chelsea hope the player’s agent – Kia Joorabchian – is able to convince the club to sell the player.
Thiago Maia – just 19 – has been bossing the defensive midfield position as an anchor man for Santos in the Brasileirao, making 43 appearances in the league over the past two seasons, and was even named in the Campeonato Paulista Team of the Year for 2016 (stats via whoscored). The teenager is currently a part of the Brazilian Olympic squad at the Rio Olympics and would be hoping to make a good impression on his suitors.
It is reported that Joorabchian would try to broker a deal involving a transfer fee around the £15m mark. Santos currently own 100% of the player’s financial rights but would have to give the player around £4.5m, as there is a clause that entails that 30% of the transfer fee would go to the player while the Brazilian club would be set to pocket close to £10m.
There has been recent speculation surrounding the future of a couple of Chelsea midfielders, namely Oscar and Nemanja Matic. While Inter Milan seem the only club in the race for the 24-year-old Brazilian, Matic has been sought after by Real Madrid among several other top European sides. Amidst all this speculation, Chelsea would hope to secure a deal for Thiago Maia and ensure themselves of a cover in case either or both of the potential departures were to actually happen.
Chelsea’s negotiations in the transfer market with Santos have not been fruitful of late, with the failure to seal a deal for teenage striking sensation Gabigol. He looks set to join Juventus instead, if the Brazilian decides to move. The Blues would hope talks regarding this deal are more constructive than the Gabigol one and that the club can seal the transfer of the midfielder.
