Club now plan to hijack striker’s £17m move to Chelsea, and he actually wants to join them instead

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Monaco are now planning to outmuscle Chelsea in the race to sign Deivid Washington – and he would prefer a move to France.

That is according to Foot Mercato.

So, what is the latest on Chelsea and Deivid Washington? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to Fabrizio Romano – Chelsea have agreed a €20m (£17m) deal with Santos for the Brazilian striker.

The reliable Italian journalist added that Washington had already shook hands with Chelsea on his personal terms, and is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge – the initial plan is to loan him to Strasbourg, though.

Now – however – Monaco are involved, and would appear to have a genuine chance of ruining this deal for Chelsea.

Foot Mercato believe the Ligue 1 side are planning to play a ‘bad trick’ on Chelsea by hijacking the agreement, and Washington himself would actually prefer a move to Monaco than Stamford Bridge.

It is also said that Thiago Scuro – Director of Football at Monaco – knows the South American forward well, and previously tried to sign him for Red Bull Bragantino.

Therefore, this deal is now in the balance for Chelsea, when it initially seemed as if everything was done.

Chelsea cannot waste time fighting Monaco for Deivid Washington

In our view, this deal should not be a priority for Chelsea, and the Blues cannot waste precious time fending off Monaco for a youngster when Mauricio Pochettino needs senior first-team reinforcements quickly.

Chelsea have already signed two young talents in Angelo Gabriel and Lesley Ugochukwu, both of whom are expected to join Strasbourg on loan after Todd Boehly completed a 100% takeover of the French side.

That is all well and good, with moves like this set to help Chelsea in years to come.

Right now – however – Pochettino’s squad needs work, including a new central midfielder, striker and also a winger.

Therefore, we believe Chelsea should be prioritising their own squad, rather than signing elite talents to send on loan to Strasbourg.