Journalist Nick Purewal has claimed that Matheus Nunes’ name was mentioned in a meeting between Todd Boehly and agent Jorge Mendes
Reports suggested the Blues are leading a large amount of Europe’s elite clubs in the race for the highly-promising midfielder.
The Blues currently have N’golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho as an established top three for the central midfield roles.
The trio are also challenged for positions by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as well as the returning Conor Gallagher who excelled on loan at Crystal Palace.
Purewal believes that despite the discussions with Boehly he may not be the perfect fit for the Blues this summer, with him unlikely to wait in line for his chance to start.
Nunes mentioned in Boehly meeting
He said: “The situation there is that Nunes is represented by family, but Mendes has been acting on behalf of the club, gauging interest from clubs so I think Nunes’ name came up in the meeting Todd Boehly had with Jorge Mendes. So I think that’s where there’s slight disconnect, with it being more from the club’s side floating the idea, but I don’t think it’s got any further than that.
“He’s a hell of a player, and Pep Guardiola said what he said about him, but he’s a definite 8, in the Kovacic mould. He’d be too good to be fourth choice.”
While the Blues may look like they have strength in numbers, the uncertainty over the futures of Jorginho and N’golo Kante should encourage the club to act when the opportunity to sign a quality midfielder arises.
Kovacic has shown he has the qualities to be one of the league’s best midfielders, so the opportunity to sign a talent with similar assets is one the club should not shy away from.
Drawing praise such as being described as one of ‘the best in the world’ by Pep Guardiola is certainly a seal of approval that he would be a stellar addition to the club.
But Sporting are said to want £51 million for Nunes by O Jogo, which means that he would be a considerable investment.
And given that he is far from guaranteed to start in Chelsea’s midfield – and with Conor Gallagher having more Premier League experience – it could be that the Blues are better off looking elsewhere.