Chelsea have begun contract negotiations for their “powerful” new forward, who has scored 15 goals this season, joining Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign him.
Blues begin contract negotiations with new forward as form improves
After a slow start to the season, there were some questions about Enzo Maresca’s position as manager, but the Italian side have since found their groove and won their last three games on a spin in all competitions.
Most recently, the Blues won 3-0 away at Nottingham Forest, which cost Ange Postecoglou his job, and Pedro Neto put in a very impressive performance, contributing with a goal and an assist, as well as making three successful dribbles.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s performances have been less impressive, with the 21-year-old yet to find a shot in front of goal since joining from Manchester United. Jamie Gittens also isn’t exactly at his best.
The former Borussia Dortmund player has failed to score or assist in the opening eight games of the season, and the Englishman’s form is likely to be a cause for concern for Maresca.
This is a risk a club takes when deciding to sign an up-and-coming talent rather than an established top player, and certainly a questionable approach given the west Londoners’ ability to attract the best wingers in the world.
However, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have entered the race to sign another youngster, starting negotiations with Vasco da Gama star Ryan Vittor’s agent over his contract.
Barcelona, PSG, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have also been named as interested parties, and although the 19-year-old has emerged as one of the best young players to come out of Brazil in recent times, his contract will be relatively expensive.
The teenager’s contract has a release clause of £35m, but the Blues could be able to fast-track a deal for something closer to the £26m-29m mark.
‘Powerful’ Vitor could be a future star
Jamie Carragher has previously revealed his thoughts on Chelsea’s recruitment policy, saying: “The club is hiding behind a long transition period, which continues to be extended, and is focused on signing the same type of young players in every transfer window.”
In fact, the young Brazilian probably falls into that category, but that doesn’t mean he can’t find long-term success at Stamford Bridge, as he’s showing signs of being a future star.
The Vasco da Gama star has 15 goals to his name by 2025 and has been praised by scout Ben Mattinson.
However, having recently signed Garnacho, Gittens and Estevao, signing yet another young winger would be a questionable decision, and given Maresca’s lack of options at the back, signing a centre-back should be a priority.