Brazilian center-back Thiago Silva is set to become a free agent this summer after Paris Saint-Germain decided not to renew his contract. According to English media, Chelsea is looking to jump on the opportunity and bring the 35-year-old player to the Premier League.
Silva was vocal about his wishes to play in England in the past and is now ready to take a significant pay-cut in order to facilitate such move. Chelsea, on the other hand, would like to boost their shaky back four with an experienced presence, and manager Frank Lampard sees the Brazilian as the perfect candidate.
Despite being at the back end of his career, Silva has attracted significant interest from around Europe, and Chelsea is set to face a tough competition trying to sign him. The list of other potential suitors includes Seria A clubs AC Milan and Fiorentina, as well as Premier League’s Everton.
Silva reportedly had offers from other continents, but it’s unlikely he’ll consider such an option.
“I have already said a lot of times before I wanted to, that I want to finish [my career] here in Europe,” Silva told reporters earlier this week. “A decision was taken, now things are calm in my head. It will be in another club, but my heart will stay here.”
Thiago Silva joined PSG in 2012 from AC Milan in a transfer worth around $50 million, which made him the most expensive defender in history at the time. He made 313 appearances with Paris since then, helping the club win seven Ligue 1 titles among other trophies.
Silva will have a chance to add to his trophy tally with PSG on Sunday when the French club meets Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League finals.
