Chelsea are leading the race to sign Torino’s defensive stalwart Gleison Bremer in the upcoming January window.
According to Tuttosport, as relayed by Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Gleison Bremer. The Torino defender has apparently rejected the opportunity to extend his contract at his current club and could now be on the verge of an imminent move to Stamford Bridge.
A native of Bahia, Bremer is strongly considered as one of the finest defensive talents in Serie A, thanks to resounding success after joining Torino in the summer of 2018. The defender has made almost 100 competitive appearances for the club, becoming a defensive mainstay and helping his team survive in the top-flight.
Standing at 1.88m, Bremer’s imposing presence at the back, coupled with his leadership abilities, have made him an appealing target for several Premier League clubs. The Brazilian was notably linked with a move to West Ham earlier in the season, while Liverpool have been in the mix as well.
However, it appears Chelsea is in the driver’s seat in the race to sign the 24-year-old, who appears to have no intention of prolonging his career at Torino. The centre-back is indeed prepared to take the next step in his career, with the Blues likely targeting him as a potential replacement for someone like Antonio Rudiger.
The German international is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after disagreements over his new contract. He has reportedly agreed personal terms with Real Madrid as well, ahead of a potential Bosman move to Santiago Bernabeu after the end of the season.
In addition to Rudiger, Andreas Christensen is another player whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer. The Dane is already among the top targets of league rivals such as Tottenham Hotspur and the two Manchester giants. As such, the Blues are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements as they prepare for a mass exodus in the summer.
Gleison Bremer, therefore, is a sensible target for the reigning European champions. The Torino centre-back might not offer as much quality as Rudiger, but he certainly has the potential to emerge as a defensive asset for the team. And with his contract expiring in 2023, the Brazilian isn’t expected to cost a fortune, making him a potential bargain for the Blues.