Chelsea identify Silva replacement but face Real Madrid and PSG transfer battle

14 March 2024 , 12:50

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Chelsea are interested in Lille's Leny Yoro (Image: Gerrit van Keulen)

Chelsea are eyeing a summer swoop for Lille defender Leny Yoro, with the highly-rated teenager viewed as a potential replacement for Thiago Silva.

Silva is set to turn 40 in September and is expected to depart Stamford Bridge at the end of the campaign when his contract expires. Despite making 23 Premier League appearances so far this season for the Blues, Silva has been an unused substitute for their last two games despite the likes of Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill being out injured.

And according to a report from the Evening Standard, Chelsea are interested in signing Yoro. The report states that the 18-year-old is 'considered an ideal addition' by club chiefs, but they will face stiff competition for his signature.

Both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in Yoro and they would be able to offer him Champions League football. The report adds that Chelsea are exploring other defensive options as well, including Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting's Ousmane Diomande.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Silva, who is one of the most decorated defenders of his generation. Speaking in October last year, Silva admitted he is considering retirement but revealed he is keen to continue working in football when he does hang up his boots.

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"The end of my career is approaching and it's not easy," Silva told Sky Sports Italia. "I have to think if I retire or if I continue, and where I go. There's the family, I have two sons who play for Chelsea.

"At the moment I'll take the opportunity to play and make the most of this last year of my contract at Chelsea. But I'm very happy and proud of the career I've had, of what I'm doing now at 39 years old.

Thiago Silva is out of contract at the end of the season (Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)

"I have prepared all my life to make the most of my work, football is my passion. Surely after I retire I will continue in this world, I don't know how yet." Silva was at the centre of some controversy earlier this year after his wife Belle appeared to call for manager Mauricio Pochettino to be sacked.

During Chelsea's 4-2 defeat to Wolves at Stamford Bridge in February, she wrote on social media: "It's time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late," followed by two blue hearts.

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Matthew Cooper