Chelsea are reportedly prepared to let defender Thiago Silva depart Stamford Bridge at the conclusion of this season, with the player’s contract expiring in the summer.
The Brazil international joined the West Londoners as a free agent in 2020 following his departure from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, quickly helping the Blues to significant success.
Chelsea – under the stewardship of Thomas Tuchel – lifted the Champions League for the second time in the club’s history during Silva’s first season in England, beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the final in 2021.
The 39-year-old has been a regular under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino so far this term, playing every minute of his side’s Premier League campaign prior to the international pause.
According to Football Insider, it is becoming increasing likely that Silva will be ending his stay at Chelsea at the close of the current season.
The report claims that despite the centre-back’s continued importance to the Blues, the club’s hierarchy believes that Pochettino’s side will be able to evolve without the Brazilian.
Chelsea have a host of young defenders who possess the potential to develop into fully-fledged Premier League stars, including Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and England international Levi Colwill.
Former Brighton & Hove Albion loanee made his Three Lions debut during the October internationals, earning a start at left-back as Gareth Southgate’s men beat Australia 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium.
The 20-year-old has also operated in a full-back role for Chelsea due to the absences of Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella at the beginning of this season, although there is a general consensus that Colwill’s long-term future lies at the heart of the Blues’ backline.
It is understood that Blues are looking to offload Silva ahead of the 2024-25 term due to his hefty wages, with the defender earning a reported £110,000 per week at Stamford Bridge after signing fresh terms in February.
The centre-back has remained coy when questioned on his Stamford Bridge future in recent weeks, however there are some reports that he could have a preferred destination before retirement.
It is understood that Silva – in the past – has arranged plans to finish his career with Brazilian outfit Fluminense, who the 39-year-old left in 2008 to make his European switch to AC Milan.
Chelsea will be looking to record a fourth successive victory across all competitions when they host London rivals Arsenal on Saturday evening, with Pochettino’s men having the chance to remove the Gunners’ unbeaten status in the Premier League.
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