Thiago Silva is set to prolong his stay at Chelsea by signing a new one-year deal. The Brazilian defender is out of contract at the end of the season, but Chelsea have offered the 38-year-old an extension after deciding they do not want to lose his experience and leadership.
Silva has proved an outstanding signing since moving to Stamford Bridge in September 2020. The former Milan and Paris Saint-Germain player quickly adapted to the pace of the Premier League.
Chelsea have been refurbishing their defence since their takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. They reacted to losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger by signing Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana last summer and bought the 21-year-old France centre-back Benoît Badiashile from Monaco this month.
However, Silva remains first choice in central defence. He is positionally excellent, still strong in the air and reads the game brilliantly. Graham Potter has repeatedly praised Silva since becoming Chelsea’s head coach. Silva produced another fine performance during the goalless draw with Liverpool last Saturday. He was partnered by Badiashile, who has kept clean sheets in his two appearances.
Chelsea are expected to be busy before the transfer window shuts. They have revived their interest in the Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernández, but remain reluctant to meet the £106 million release clause. They could improve their £55 million offer for the Brighton midfielder Moisés Caicedo and have had an opening bid rejected for the 19-year-old Lyon right back Malo Gusto. Chelsea want cover at right back for Reece James, who is close to a return from a knee injury, and believe Gusto represents good value.
Another potential target is the Everton winger Anthony Gordon. Chelsea were interested in Gordon last summer and could move for him again. However, Newcastle are seen as a likelier destination for the England under-21 international if he leaves Everton.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson is due for a medical at Bournemouth on Wednesday to complete his move from Villarreal. Bournemouth will pay €23 million (£20.4m) plus €2.5 million in add-ons for the forward.
Jackson, part of Senegal’s World Cup squad in Qatar, can play anywhere across the front line and has scored two goals in 14 La Liga appearances this season. He would be Bournemouth’s second January buy, after the £20 million winger Dango Ouattara. – Guardian
