Chelsea plot surprise move for free agent Bernardo Silva

Chelsea plot surprise move for free agent Bernardo Silva

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City this summer.

Silva will leave Manchester City when his contract expires in the summer with the club captain having confirmed his exit from the Etihad.

The Portugal international has been linked with clubs in Europe, MLS and Saudi Arabia, with Barcelona and former side Benfica among those targeting a deal.

Chelsea have now emerged as a shock rival to Silva’s suitors. According to TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, the West Londoners view the 31-year-old as an ideal option to ‘inject experience and proven leadership’ into their squad.

Chelsea have endured a difficult campaign with an inexperienced squad struggling for consistent results. A recent run of five consecutive Premier League defeats has all but ended their Champions League hopes and saw head coach Liam Rosenior fired on Wednesday.

Despite interest from Chelsea, a move to a rival Premier League club appears unlikely. The midfielder has previously expressed interest in a transfer to a club closer to his family.

However, he remained at Manchester City, where he has won six Premier League titles among 18 honours. Silva has made 453 appearances for the Citizens, second only to Bert Trautmann among non-English players.