Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing 20-year-old Benfica defender Antonio Silva, who is likely to cost a premium this summer.
A report from Fichajes has stated that Chelsea are willing to pay around €100 million for 20-year-old Benfica central defender Antonio Silva.
The Portuguese international could be the ideal replacement for Thiago Silva, who is in the twilight stages of his career and will likely leave Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea have been quite vulnerable defensively this season, and they have conceded 41 goals in 25 league matches. They will have to tighten up at the back if they want to get back into the Champions League and compete for trophies once again. Signing a talented young defender should be a top priority for them in the summer. Silva will certainly be attracted if a Premier League club comes calling in the summer.
Even though Chelsea are likely to miss out on Champions League qualification, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them can be hard to turn down. Silva will look to test himself in the Premier League and prove his qualities at a higher level. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
The young defender has been linked with other Premier League clubs in recent months as well, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.
Antonio Silva could be a future star for Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino has done well to nurture talented young players throughout his managerial career, and he could help the Portuguese defender fulfil his world class potential as well.
The defender is far from reaching his peak, and he is likely to improve with coaching and experience. Although the reported asking price seems like a premium right now, Silva will have plenty of time to develop and improve as a player. He could easily justify the investment in the coming seasons. He could develop into a mainstay for Chelsea at the back.
Chelsea have a talented squad at their disposal, but they need to get rid of their major weaknesses to bounce back strongly. Addressing a vulnerable defensive unit is certainly a priority for them right now.
