Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to try to win the race to sign Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca.
Although Chelsea have recently added Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to their squad, the club's priority in recent weeks has been generating transfer funds and space on their wage bill.
While that still remains a work in progress, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz have all found new clubs.
With Denis Zakaria also back at Juventus and Mason Mount on the brink of signing for Manchester United, Chelsea will have effectively lost five options in central midfield.
The West Londoners are allegedly pushing to secure the services of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo in a deal likely to cost at least £80m.
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Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino will need to find further reinforcements, and it appears that he has identified another player from South America to move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the Daily Mail, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital may attempt to deliver the signing of Franca from Flamengo.
Back in January, Newcastle United were heavily linked with the prospect, only to fail to agree terms with their counterparts at the Brazilian giants, while West Ham United have also been credited with an interest.
Now, Chelsea are seemingly keen on spending £25m to win the race for the 19-year-old, who can play in a number of central positions in midfield or out wide.
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Franca has contributed a total of nine goals from 53 appearances for Flamengo, with 26 of those outings coming during the current campaign.
With Franca holding a contract until 2027, Flamengo do not necessarily have to be in a rush to part ways with a player whose versatility has become an asset.
However, it appears that Chelsea may persist with their advances for the starlet, who would theoretically link up with fellow Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos in Pochettino's senior ranks.
Chelsea are also in the process of finalising a deal for Santos winger Angelo, with the 18-year-old being tipped to immediately go out on loan to Strasbourg.
Darren Plant
