New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is actively reshaping his squad during the summer transfer window, reportedly nearing his fifth signing.
The Italian coach is set to add Basel left-back Renato Veiga to his team, with reports suggesting the two clubs have reached an agreement.
Veiga, a Portuguese defender, joined Basel a year ago after struggling to secure a place in Sporting CP’s senior team.
After Riccardo Calafiori left for Bologna last year, the young 20-year old stepped in, playing 26 times for Basel. He also made it to the Portugal Under-21 team.
Now, reports from HITC say that Veiga is set to move to Chelsea with a deal worth £12 million.
He’s ready to fight for a place in the main team. Chelsea has had a tough time finding a good left-back due to Ben Chilwell’s frequent injuries.
Marc Cucurella, who came from Brighton for £55 million two years back, hasn’t played as well as hoped.
Despite his regular appearances for Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament, Cucurella has been linked with a potential transfer, having nearly joined Manchester United on loan last year.
Veiga’s signing aligns with Chelsea’s new approach under Maresca, focusing on potential rather than high-cost transfers.
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While there were concerns that the club’s spending might be restricted by profit and sustainability rules, Maresca has received substantial backing.
Tosin Adarabioyo was the first new arrival this summer, joining on a free transfer from Fulham.
Additionally, Chelsea has acquired 18-year-olds Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa and Marc Guiu from Barcelona.
Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also joined from Leicester for £30 million. Veiga would mark the fifth signing since June 14, but Chelsea has already secured a sixth for next year.
The club signed 17-year-old Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, who will join in the summer of 2025 for a £52 million fee, remaining with Palmeiras for another year in the meantime.
Chelsea continues to pursue further additions, with a second bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion expected after the first offer was reportedly rejected.
The sale of Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa, raising approximately £37.5 million, has bolstered the transfer budget.
The future of academy graduate Conor Gallagher remains uncertain, with speculation about a possible sale following his return from Euro 2024.
