Chelsea’s transfer strategy has drastically changed since the club’s abrupt takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital last year. To the delight of supporters, the new Chelsea owners haven’t hesitated in spending exorbitantly on the squad and although results haven’t been the best on the pitch, it’s hard to question the club’s ambition.
During the last January transfer window Chelsea became the hottest topic after spending around £323 million on new signings. While the figure is astonishing, the profile of players brought in drew as much attention. Most of the players bought were under the age of 23 including the likes of David Datro Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashille and more being notable signings.
This summer, the Blues are set on continuing the strategy of the last window, with the confirmation of even younger signings advancing Chelsea’s youth-centric rebuild. After securing 16-year-old Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez and nearing completion of the deal for Santos prodigy Angelo Gabriel, the recruitment team has set their sights on yet another South American sensation and he might be the best out of the bunch.
Chelsea set on securing 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are working on securing the signature of Brazilian talent Matheus Franca from Flamengo. The deal is still in the early stages, but Chelsea are frontrunners, and among the sticking points is the youngster’s price tag. Flamengo value Franca at around €25m while Chelsea hope to complete the deal at €20m. However, it seems only a matter of time before an agreement is struck as the player is keen on the move.
Although most of Chelsea’s business with younger players has been to build for the future, Matteus Franca is not your typical South American prospect. Despite his young age, the Flamengo forwards looks more than ready to directly contribute to the first team and revamp Chelsea’s depleted attacking output.
Franca’s ability and technicality on the ball makes him quite diverse in terms of where he can play on the pitch. His creativity and eye for chance creation makes him an amazing attacking midfielder, his preferred position. His dribbling and technicality means he can also operate on the right flank. His willingness to press and work off the ball is also an attribute that Mauricio Pochettino will definitely appreciate.
Physically Franca also has all the tools to compete at the senior level with Chelsea. He’s strong both on the ball and has the physical frame to withstand Premier league defenders. Despite his final output not being at an elite level yet, he’s still only 19 years old and with some development he’s a talent that the Blues may regret missing out on.