Chelsea defender Renato Veiga is being strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer, with a host of sides interested in a deal.
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Veiga, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge after it has become clear he does not want to be the player the Blues thought they were signing.
Chelsea brought in the Portuguese star to provide backup for Marc Cucurella, and had been using him in this role for the first half of the season before he requested a move away.
During his successful spell at Juventus, Veiga starred in a central role, with that looking as if it is his strongest position on the pitch.
With him not making the trip to the Club World Cup, it looks clear that the defender is not in Enzo Maresca’s plan for the upcoming season.
Chelsea’s asking price for Renato Veiga shows Todd Boehly’s masterplan is working
As per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are asking for a fee of around £34m to part ways with Veiga, with a queue of clubs from around Europe already interested in a deal.
It cost the Blues just £12m to bring the Portugal international in from Basel 12 months ago, with them looking to make nearly three times what they spent on him.
It has been clear during Todd Boehly’s time in charge of the club that he has not been afraid to spend big money. A lot has been made of the figure that is approaching £2billion that has been spent on players.
However, it is becoming clear that these deals are being done with an eye to making profit in the future, and is perhaps why the club are continuing to invest in younger players.
Deals for Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic have already banked the club serious profit, and this will continue to bankroll big signings like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.
Some at Chelsea surprised at imminent Veiga sale
Veiga was part of the Chelsea loan squad who have already returned to pre-season training, whilst the first team enjoy their well-earned breaks off the back of Club World Cup glory.
With these players not having a real future with the club, there will be efforts made to get rid of all of them, although some at the club are perplexed the defender didn’t join Juventus permanently.
However, there are some at Chelsea who are surprised Veiga wasn’t given a chance in his preferred central-defensive role, with the club still reportedly looking at new players to sign.
As well as Veiga, Axel Disasi is expected to leave the club, while there is still a chance Benoit Badiashile departs too.
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