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Chelsea sizing up AS Monaco’s Bernardo Silva for summer transfer

By Travis Tyler

Bernardo Silva of Monaco and Pierre Bengtsson of Bastia during the French Ligue 1 match between Bastia and Monaco at Stade Armand Cesari on February 17, 2017 in Bastia, France. (Photo by Dume/Icon Sport)
Bernardo Silva of Monaco and Pierre Bengtsson of Bastia during the French Ligue 1 match between Bastia and Monaco at Stade Armand Cesari on February 17, 2017 in Bastia, France. (Photo by Dume/Icon Sport) /
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Ever since Antonio Conte and Michael Emenalo scouted AS Monaco earlier this season, Chelsea have been linked to an increasing number of their starters. Bernardo Silva is a real possibility to make the jump from Monaco to London.

Bernardo Silva is the latest name mentioned in the Monaco-to-Chelsea rumor mill. Monaco’s vice-president, Vasim Vasilyev, admitted “major clubs” are interested in the young Portuguese winger. “Yes, yes. I really don’t want to go into details, but for all our major players, we do have interest from major European clubs.”

The Times reports that Monaco hope to garner £68 million for Silva. They note that both Manchester clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in Silva. However, Chelsea are the first team to initiate “talks” over Silva with Monaco. The Blues’ interest in other Monaco stars likely helped their pursuit of Silva pick up steam as well.

Silva has the makings to be a Chelsea-calibre star. At 22, he is already a huge part of Monaco’s deadly attack. Silva can play anywhere on the wing, as well as the No. 10 role behind a striker.

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Comparisons to Eden Hazard are inevitable. Young player that can play any attacking role? Check. Plays in Ligue 1 for a club fighting Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance? Check. Coveted by every major club in Europe? Check.

Silva’s style of play is similar to Hazard’s as well. He rarely backs down from a dribble, and loves setting his teammates up with a bit of flair. Silva also shares traits with Pedro and Willian. Like Willian, Silva understands he is not merely an attacker, but must cover and defend as well. And like Pedro, Silva is unafraid to take a shot when he is on goal.

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At 22, Silva has substantial room to grow, and now is the time to buy and start him as he continuously improves. The asking price, however, is ridiculous. £68 million would be a transfer record for Chelsea.

While Chelsea have money to burn from the Oscar deal (not to mention a potential Diego Costa sale), paying that kind of money for a 22-year old who is not yet an improvement over current players is a gamble. Eden Hazard, who was a clear improvement over what Chelsea had at the time, cost only £32 million, making Silva’s asking price look ridiculous.

Chelsea are smart to start talks early, but it appears Monaco want a bidding war. If Chelsea can scare off competition early, bring down the asking price and get Silva interested, would have to make this deal. Silva may not be an improvement over Pedro or Willian in a 3-4-3, but he will be within two seasons, if not sooner.

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AS Monaco face Manchester City in the Champion’s League on Tuesday, 21 February. This will be a great time to see how Bernardo Silva (and the other Monaco players linked to Chelsea) fare against one of the best teams in the Premier League. Do not be too surprised if the camera cuts to Conte in the stands.

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