Chelsea will look to sign 21-year-old Brazilian midfield prospect Gabriel Bontempo from Santos next year.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet Bolavip, the in-form Gabriel Bontempo is “expected to be a target for several European clubs in the next transfer window”. One of those prospective suitors will be Chelsea, with the West London club yet to give up on securing his services after showing interest in him earlier this year.
Per All Thing Brazil, as relayed by Bolavip, Bontempo is being “closely watched” by Chelsea’s scouts. The report adds that there is an expectation that Santos will receive several offers for the young midfielder in the January transfer window, though there is no indication of a price tag.
Who is Gabriel Bontempo?
Gabriel Bontempo is the latest promising midfielder to rise in prominence in homeland. With the Brazilian national team facing a dearth of top-class midfielder in the senior setup, the 21-year-old prospect’s emergence could not have better-timed, as he made significant progress at Santos since breaking into the first-team squad at the onset of the 2025 season, making nearly 100 appearances thus far.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed his breakthrough as a productive midfielder this term, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 44 outings thus far. The Brazilian midfielder’s progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, with a move to Europe on the cards soon.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Gabriel Bontempo has been on Chelsea’s wishlist for several months. The continued interest reflects the West London club’s need to sign a new midfielder despite bringing in two new players in the summer transfer window. While Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson arrived at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2026/27 season, Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City has created a void in the midfield unit.
Romeo Lavia’s impressive performances at the onset of the 2026/27 season offers hope for a bright future, but there are credible concerns about the Belgian midfielder’s fitness. Additionally, Jordan Henderson is in the twilight of his career, and Bontempo’s productivity offers Chelsea a way to replace Fernandez’s output while retaining solidity out of possession.
Pursuing Bontempo also aligns with Chelsea’s outlook of recruiting the brightest young South American prospects, with Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian arriving in West London in recent years. With the Blues regularly scouting the Brazilian this season, the monitoring should soon lead to a bid.