Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for Benfica's Antonio Silva, with the Blues preparing to bring in a replacement for Thiago Silva during this summer's transfer window.
Thiago Silva's contract with the London giants is due to expire at the end of the campaign, and it is understood that a decision has been made to let him depart on a free transfer.
The 39-year-old has again been a key player for Mauricio Pochettino's side this season, featuring on 21 occasions in all competitions, and he got his name on the scoresheet in Chelsea's 4-0 win over Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
However, according to Football Insider, he will not be signing a new deal, and the Blues are currently identifying potential replacements for the Brazil international.
The report claims that Fluminense are the favourites to sign Thiago Silva, who has no plans to hang up his boots this summer.
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The South American made the move to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, and he has represented the club on 138 occasions, scoring seven goals and registering four assists in the process.
According to The Sun, Antonio Silva has been identified as Chelsea's top defensive target this summer, with Pochettino's side ready to battle a number of clubs for his signature.
Both Manchester United and Real Madrid are also said to be keen on the Portugal international, who has featured 24 times for Benfica during the 2023-24 campaign.
Chelsea have allegedly been heavily scouting the defender in recent weeks, and there have already been discussions between the two sides over a potential move.
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The Blues reportedly offered Benfica £52m plus centre-forward Armando Broja for the defender, but Benfica said that Antonio Silva's full £87m release clause would be need to be paid.
Despite having a contract with the Portuguese giants until June 2027, the 20-year-old is widely expected to move on at the end of the campaign.
Antonio Silva has featured on 68 occasions for Benfica in all competitions, scoring six goals in the process, and he has already played 14 times in the Champions League.
Chelsea could struggle to sign the youngster if they are absent from next season's Champions League, though, and Pochettino's side are currently down in 10th position in the Premier League table, 12 points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
