Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are reportedly tracking the progress of 18-year-old Brazilian full-back JP Chermont, with a bid on the cards.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, JP Chermont is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on signing a right-back amid the fitness woes surrounding Reece James. So, the Santos full-back has emerged as a target for the West London club, with the Brazilian teenage sensation’s contract having a release clause worth €70 million.
Who is JP Chermont?
Joao Pedro Chermont Crema, better known as JP Chermont, is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in Brazil. The country continues to be a factory of promising prodigies, producing top-class teenagers every year. As for Santos, the famous Brazilian club has churned out world-class players, including Neymar and Rodrygo.
As for Chermont, the teenager has been with Santos since 2018, coming leaps and bounds in the last half a dozen years. The 18-year-old broke into the first-team squad at the club earlier this year and has turned out 29 times while chipping in with two goals and three assists.
Meanwhile, JP Chermont’s progress at Santos FC has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. The summer transfer window brought links with Tottenham Hotspur, with Chelsea also keen on signing the Brazilian full-back prospect.
London calling?
The report claims that Chelsea mulled over signing JP Chermont in the summer transfer window, offering €6 million to secure his services. However, a deal did not see the light of day, although the continued interest is understandable. With Reece James’s fitness struggles not ending, the West London club must find a solution.
In addition, recent reports have linked the Chelsea captain with Real Madrid. So, the Brazilian teenage sensation has emerged as a viable target for the West London club. However, Chermont will not come cheap, with his contract with Santos having a release clause worth €70 million.
The report has suggested that Chelsea will likely return with a new bid to sign the 18-year-old from Santos. It will be interesting to see if the Blues present a bid close to the release clause of €70 million or try to negotiate a lower fee.
