Chelsea are set to secure the signing of Santos’ young talent Deivid Washington for approximately €20 million, as reported by Mercado da Bola.
Amidst competition from France, where AS Monaco put forth an offer, the Blues emerged as the preferred destination for the 18-year-old player.
Washington will finalize a six-year contract until 2029, with an option for the club to extend it for an additional year.
Recognized as a promising talent, the youngster marked his senior team debut this year, amassing two goals across 16 appearances.
At Chelsea, Washington will be accompanied by fellow Santos youth graduate Angelo Gabriel. The duo is expected to work together at Chelsea’s affiliate club, RC Strasbourg in France, under the management of Patrick Vieira. The French club is set to function as a talent development hub.
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Chelsea’s youngster Lesley Ugochukwu, signed for €27 million from Rennes this summer, may also join them in France on a loan basis.
Deivid Washington will travel to London at the end of the current week to sign as new Chelsea player 🔵🇧🇷 #CFC
€20m package add-ons included was agreed yesterday, AS Monaco tried until the end but never had chances as Deivid only wanted Chelsea move.
Here we go, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/EE2NleRrXS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
The Blues have committed substantial funds to acquire highly-regarded young talents from Europe and South America since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s involvement at Stamford Bridge last season.
This summer, they have invested more than £50 million in securing talents such as Kendry Paez, Ugochukwu, Angelo Gabriel, Washington, and Diego Moreira.
Nonetheless, these young players are not yet prepared to contribute significantly to the two-time Champions League winners. Consequently, the team still requires experienced players.
Also Read: Chelsea starlet Angelo Gabriel joins Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg on loan
The club needs a defensive midfielder and an additional attacker. The possibility of pursuing a goalkeeper is also being considered, especially with Bayern Munich expressing interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea are currently engaged in discussions for the potential signings of Moises Caicedo and Tyler Adams.
Additionally, there are reports of the club considering goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili and Gregor Kobel as potential replacements for Arrizabalaga.
