Chelsea pushing to land top winger with £25m clause this summer

Chelsea are on the brink of securing a deal for Porto's rising star, Francisco Conceicao, as the winger's release clause is set to increase from £25 million to £38 million on Monday as per GiveMeSport. The 21-year-old's impressive performances have attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Atlético Madrid and RB Leipzig.

Conceicao enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 season, contributing eight goals and eight assists across all competitions, earning him a place in Portugal's squad for the Euros. His outstanding displays continued at the tournament, catching the eye of both fans and scouts. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez praised Conceicao's "scent for danger," further cementing his status as a highly sought-after talent in the transfer market.

Under the new management of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are eager to strengthen its squad following a couple of disappointing seasons. The club has already made significant moves in the transfer window, bringing in players such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman, and Tosin Adarabioyo. The potential acquisition of Conceicao would add further depth and dynamism to their attacking options.

However, Chelsea faces several obstacles in their pursuit of the young winger. Porto's president and former Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas, is reportedly hesitant to facilitate Conceicao's departure. Moreover, with the release clause set to increase, Chelsea must act swiftly to secure the deal at the current price.

Conceicao's career has followed an impressive trajectory. After developing through the Porto academy, he initially left the Portuguese giants to join Ajax in 2022. However, he returned to Porto on loan just a year later and was re-signed on a £8.5 million permanent deal in April. Despite Porto only owning the player for a few months, his low release clause has attracted suitors, making a summer exit likely.

Chelsea's interest in Conceicao could lead to a reshuffling of their current squad. The club already boasts a wealth of talent in the attacking midfield and winger positions, including Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher, and Christopher Nkunku. To accommodate Conceicao, Chelsea might need to offload one or more of these players, with Gallagher being heavily linked with a move to Atlético Madrid.

Conceicao's stats highlight his immense potential. In his career, he has scored 21 goals and provided 20 assists in 151 appearances. Last season alone, he scored eight goals and assisted another eight, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly both in scoring and creating opportunities.

Chelsea must decide whether to activate Francisco Conceicao's release clause and add the promising winger to their ranks. With competition from other top clubs and internal squad considerations, the coming days will be crucial for the Blues' transfer strategy. If successful, the acquisition of Conceicao could prove to be a shrewd move, adding a dynamic and dangerous player to their line-up for the upcoming season.