Romano gives update on Chelsea’s pursuit of 27-year-old playmaker playing in Brazil

Fabrizio Romano gives an update on Chelsea’s interest in signing Raphael Veiga

Raphael Veiga has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea during the summer transfer window, but it is thought that the Blues have other priorities.

Owner Todd Boehly has worked to fully rebuild the club, the west London giants made significant transfers in the summer and in January, but it’s unclear who they’ll try to sign next.

As the Blues attempt to strengthen more areas, a number of players have been linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge and Veiga is another star who has recently been linked to a transfer to Chelsea.

Fabrizio Romano, the transfer journalist, provided an update on the 27-year-old’s transfer to Chelsea during his Exclusive Daily Briefing on CaughtOffside:

“There are many clubs interested in Raphael Veiga, but I’m not aware of any advanced or concrete talks with Chelsea at this stage, despite recent speculation. It’s a very good opportunity on the market, and this is why clubs are exploring this deal, but Chelsea have other priorities now.”

Perhaps a centre-forward could be one. We can also use another centre-back for depth and maybe a defensive midfielder as well given Jorginho’s exit in January and N’Golo Kante’s age and uncertain future.

With three goals and five assists in 10 games for the Palmeiras this season, Veiga has been remarkable. Many European clubs are already taking notice of the Brazilian, who is developing a reputation for himself.

However, despite Chelsea’s interest in signing Veiga, Romano thinks it’s unclear whether he is actually linked to a move to the Blues. Also, central midfielders are a priority for us. And signing Veiga will not make sense until one of our attacking midfielders departs the team.

Mason Mount and Joao Felix’s futures at Chelsea are vague. Mount is linked with a move away from SW6 and Felix’s loan agreement expires at the end of the current campaign; we have not yet begun discussions to extend Felix’s loan agreement.

It isn’t very often that top European clubs go out and try to sign a player from South America who is 27. Perhaps he is a late bloomer and can be someone who doesn’t mind being backup and increasing our squad depth for less important games.

More Chelsea News:

• Manchester United join Liverpool in the race to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount
• Chelsea star Reece James recollects how he hated playing right-back
• Florent Malouda urges Todd Boehly to sign PSG’s Kylian Mbappe at Chelsea

Of course, such things are only going to be clearer with time. We have several weeks of football left and one can imagine that our targets, or who decides to join us, could depend on where we finish in the league and if we win the UEFA Champions League (to qualify for the competition next season).