Chelsea are through to the quarter-final of the Club World Cup, but they have also been keeping up on the transfer front while progressing in the tournament.
Chelsea see off Benfica to reach Club World Cup quarter-final
While their Premier League rivals are preparing for pre-season, Chelsea are in action over in the States, and they progressed to the Club World Cup quarter-final in dramatic fashion against Benfica despite having to endure extra time and a two-hour delay due to thunderstorms.
Speaking after seeing off the Primeira Liga giants, Enzo Maresca hit out at the lengthy stoppages the Blues had to navigate in their 4-1 victory despite eventually claiming the outcome they wanted.
“It’s a joke. That’s why I said it. if they’re already suspended six games, probably there is something that is not working. I’m not here to decide the rule. I’m no one to decide the rule. I’m the last one. I’m talking as a manager. As a manager, it’s difficult to manage two hours suspended.
“There is some problem for me personally. But I’m not talking – I’m talking as a manager. Because when you are two hours inside and you try to keep them in the game, but for two hours, they are speaking with the family outside for safety reasons.”
Nevertheless, Chelsea could face Manchester City in the semi-final if both sides progress that far.
The Blues have also encountered some alternative good news off the pitch as Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens has agreed a move to Stamford Bridge and they have also agreed a deal for Brighton star Joao Pedro. The Brazilian is said to be ready to pen a seven-year contract and join the Blues in a deal in excess of £50m.
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Imaginably, Chelsea are set for an exciting summer as they prepare to re-enter the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22, and they could now be set to ramp up their interest in their next target.
Phillips: Chelsea add Antonio Silva to defender shortlist
According to Simon Phillips on Substack, Chelsea have added Benfica defender Antonio Silva to their shortlist after scouting him for the duration of the season.
Of course, they got an additional opportunity to watch him up close in their 4-1 victory over the Portuguese giants in the Club World Cup last 16, while his teammate Tomas Araujo is another potential recruit now on their radar.
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Chelsea’s two new defensive targets in 2024/25 – all competitions |
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Antonio Silva |
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Tomas Araujo |
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Araujo primarily features as a right-back, which has somewhat deterred the Blues from making a move in their pursuit of an ‘out-and-out central defender’ at Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, Silva, who has been labelled “incredible” by former Manchester City assistant coach Lillo, is said to have heavily impressed scouts while competing against Chelsea and is now under consideration by the club’s hierarchy.
With Maresca claiming Conference League glory alongside a top five finish last term, Silva could be the man to take Chelsea to the next level in their hunt for further silverware.
