South American giants 'make official offer for Chelsea defender'

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has reportedly received an official offer from Fluminense.

On Monday morning, the legendary centre-back confirmed he would be departing Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, concluding a four-year stay.

As it stands, it is unclear whether the 39-year-old will be able to add to his 151 appearances in all competitions courtesy of the groin injury that he sustained against Aston Villa last weekend.

With just two-and-a-half weeks of the season remaining, the chances are that the Brazil international may now not play again until the Copa America in the summer.

By then, Silva may have determined whether he will be continuing his career back in his homeland, where he is known to have concrete interest.

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Fluminense ready to step up efforts to sign Silva

For a number of transfer windows, the possibility of Silva eventually reuniting with Fluminense has been a constant topic of conversation.

As recently as March, sporting director Fred admitted that it would be a "dream" signing for the Tricolor, who only finished down in seventh position in the Brasileiro in 2023.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fluminense have moved to make an official approach for Silva now that he has revealed his intention to leave Chelsea.

Romano says that a contract is "almost ready", giving Silva a further option to contemplate as he decides the next phase - potentially final - of his career.

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What is the most realistic destination?

Silva returning to Fluminense is certainly not as cut and dried as it may have appeared in the past, judging by the comments of Silva earlier in the week.

His two sons play for Chelsea's academy side and, as per Romano, the intention is for both to continue with the young Blues setup next season.

That explains why a report emerged on Wednesday indicating that three London-based clubs - presumably from the Premier League - are interested in signing Silva.

With regards to Fluminense, Silva's early youth days were spent at the club and he also made 143 appearances in the senior ranks between 2006 and 2009, winning a Copa do Brasil.

Romano adds that there are clubs in Europe who are also monitoring the situation.