Chelsea keen on signing Santos ace Lucas Verissimo
According to Brazilian publication Globo Esporte (h/t Express), Chelsea are keen on Santos defender Lucas Verissimo.
The Blues have already signed Hakim Ziyech and also appear to have won the race for Timo Werner. However, they are not yet done and are keen to add the Brazilian star to their backline.
The 24-year-old centre-back has made 102 appearances for Santos and has scored 5 goals since making his debut in 2016. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The Blues are not the only team in the fray, with a heavy interest in the player from Italy as well. Sampdoria, Atalanta and Inter Milan are all monitoring the Brazilian’s progress with keen interest. (h/t Express)
His performances earned him a place in Brazilian sports magazine Placar’s Team of the Season for the 2019 campaign, referred to as the Bola de Prata.
Although the player recently signed an extension till 2024, the club could be forced to sell due to their financial situation.
According to the report, Santos will accept any offer over £8.8million for the 24-year-old in the summer transfer window. The same was confirmed by Santos president Jose Carlos Peres to Os Canalhas. (h/t Express)
“Our objective is to negotiate Lucas Verissimo, to negotiate abroad, because he himself deserves it.”
Bids from Sampdoria, however, are likely to be rejected because they still owe Santos £1.1m from the transfer of Kaique Rocha.
Verrisimo is not the only Santos player on Chelsea’s radar. The club are also interested in 18-year-old striker Kaio Jorge. The youngster has been compared to Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. (h/t Express)
Santos are open to selling the duo to ease their financial troubles.
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The Blues defence has been a constant source of irritation for Frank Lampard this season. Our inability to maintain clean sheets has seen us drop a number of points this season.
With the future of Kurt Zouma also uncertain, a move for Verissimo would be wise indeed.
