Chelsea recently submitted a bid to sign Antonio Silva, a target for Manchester United. But Benfica knocked back the offer.
According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Antonio Silva is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The West London club offered more than €60 million to sign the Benfica defender, whose release clause is worth €100 million. But the Portuguese giants rejected the offer for the Manchester United target, pointing to his exit clause.
The Rise of Antonio Silva
Antonio Silva has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Benfica. He made his first senior bow as an 18-year-old rose through the ranks at the Portuguese club and has become a mainstay at the back.
In addition, the Portuguese defender has also risen in stature on the international stage with the Seleccao. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old has turned out 68 times thus far for Benfica, chipping in with six goals. Silva’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
Antonio Silva in Demand
Chelsea’s interest in Antonio Silva stems from Thiago Silva’s advancing years. The Brazilian defender will turn 40 this year and will likely leave the West London club in the summer transfer window. So, it behoves Chelsea to invest in a centre-back, with the Portuguese international emerging as a viable target.
The report by A Bola (h/t Sport Witness) has revealed that the Blues have failed with a bid worth €60 million. Benfica told Chelsea that Silva will only leave if a suitor triggers his release clause of €100 million. But recent updates have claimed that Chelsea and Manchester United are not ready to pay that sum to secure his services.
Speaking of Manchester United, the Red Devils are also in the market for a centre-back. Raphael Varane faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with a summer departure likely. So, Antonio Silva is a viable target for Manchester United. But a January move is improbable, with Benfica not interested in entertaining offers.
Even in the summer, an offer of €100 million will bring suitors close to Silva’s signature. Otherwise, interested clubs will meet the same fate as Chelsea. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the 20-year-old Portuguese international.
