Chelsea have now opened talks to sign a “powerful” new forward who’s scored 15 goals this season, joining the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for his signature.
Blues open talks to sign new forward amid resurgent form
After a slow start to the campaign, there were a few questions asked about Enzo Maresca’s position as manager, but the Italian’s side have since returned to form, winning their last three matches on the spin in all competitions.
Most recently, the Blues picked up a 3-0 victory on the road against Nottingham Forest, which cost Ange Postecoglou his job, and Pedro Neto put in a very impressive display, chipping in with a goal and an assist, while also completing three dribbles.
Alejandro Garnacho’s performance, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as eye-catching, with the 21-year-old still yet to get off the mark in front of goal since arriving from Manchester United, and Jamie Gittens hasn’t exactly hit the ground running either.
The former Borussia Dortmund man is without a goal or an assist in his opening eight games this season, with the Englishman’s form likely to be a concern for Maresca.
That’s the risk clubs take when they decide to sign up-and-coming talents, rather than ready-made top players, and it is certainly a questionable approach from the west Londoners, who have the capabilities to attract some of the best wingers in the world.
However, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have joined the race for a new youngster, having opened agent talks over a deal for Vasco da Gama starlet Rayan Vitor, who certainly isn’t short of potential suitors.
Barcelona, PSG, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also named as interested parties, with the 19-year-old emerging as one of the best young talents to come out of Brazil in recent times, but a deal would be relatively expensive.
The teenager has a £35m release clause in his contract, although the Blues may be able to hash out a deal for closer to the £26m – £29m mark.
“Powerful” Vitor could be a future star
Jamie Carragher has previously made it clear exactly what he thinks of Chelsea’s recruitment policy, saying: “The club hides behind a prolonged transitional period that keeps being extended, focusing on signing the same type of young players in every transfer window.”
In truth, the young Brazilian would probably fall into that category, but that’s not to say he wouldn’t be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, having shown signs he could go on to become a future star.
The Vasco da Gama star has 15 goals to his name in 2025, and he has received plaudits from scout Ben Mattinson.
That said, having signed Garnacho, Gittens and Estevao in recent times, it would be a questionable decision to bring in yet another young winger, and signing a centre-back should be a priority, given that Maresca is light on options at the back.
