Mauricio Pochettino is now keen to bring Matheus Franca to Stamford Bridge – with Chelsea exploring a deal for the Brazilian wonderkid.
That is according to the Daily Mail.
So, what are the details about Chelsea target Matheus Franca? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that Pochettino is very keen to bring the South American prodigy to west London as he attempts to reshape his squad this summer.
The Daily Mail believe Flamengo value their 19-year-old prospect at £25m, after Newcastle saw a £13.5m bid rejected back in January.
It is also said that Crystal Palace are keen to sign Franca – although the south Londoners look set to struggle in this transfer battle up against the financial power of Chelsea and Newcastle.
West Ham are mentioned as another who are interested in the teenager, with the east Londoners and Newcastle able to offer him European football next season, something Chelsea cannot.
Fabrizio Romano has since added some further details to the situation involving Chelsea and Franca.
The reliable Italian journalist believes negotiations will take place this week between the Blues and the Brazilian giants, and the price tag could be as little as €20m (£17m) if talks go well.
Matheus Franca is a gem – but Chelsea need to focus on senior players
While Franca and other diamonds picked up by Chelsea, such as Angelo, are top, top talents, Chelsea need to start focusing on senior additions who can help the first-team.
So far this summer, Pochettino has only signed Nicolas Jackson as someone expected to go straight into the first-team, and even he is just 21 years of age.
With plenty of experience walking away from Stamford Bridge in the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Cesar Azpilicueta and others, the Argentine must now focus on bringing some older players to west London.
Hopefully, Chelsea can do that, and also keep one eye on the best talents from across the globe.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
