In order to complete the signings of Alejandro Garnacho, Xavi Simons and potentially another centre-back, Chelsea will first need to part ways with some of their current crop of players. With the season already underway and not a lot of time left in the summer transfer window, the Blues need to get things done quickly.
The moves for Garnacho and Simons appear to depend on players like Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson leaving. On the other hand, the potential signing of a centre-back, which Enzo Maresca seems to be keen on following Levi Colwill's injury, could be dependent on the departure of defenders the Blues already have.
One potential candidate to leave is Renato Veiga. Many fans believe that he could be a great replacement for Colwill but it looks like both the club and the player have decided that parting ways is the right step this summer.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Villarreal have agreed personal terms with Veiga and talks are well underway with Chelsea. The current proposal is €24m plus add-ons, trying to get closer to a €30m package.
'Agreed' - Fabrizio Romano drops Chelsea transfer exit update
We understand that Veiga might be keen on an exit. But is €24 million the kind of fee that Chelsea should be willing to accept for a player of his quality and potential.
Last summer, they had signed him for €14 million from FC Basel. But since then, Veiga has played Premier League football and actually did quite well whenever given a chance. Then, he went out on loan and was a starter for Juventus at centre-back.
Also, he is 22 years of age, a full Portuguese international and capable of playing not only at centre-back but also at left-back. Let's say that if the shoe was on the other foot and Chelsea were trying to sign someone of Veiga's profile from Villarreal, they would want a lot more than €24 million.
We have never really been convinced by the idea of parting ways with Veiga when Colwill is out injured, potentially for the entire season. And now that we see the transfer fees that are being offered, it might be a better idea for Chelsea to try and integrate him back into the first-team squad. There is a starting spot up for grabs. In fact, it is curious that the Portuguese international does not seem more keen on staying under these circumstances.