Thiago Silva in line for new Chelsea deal?

Chelsea are reportedly interested in agreeing a new contract with defender Thiago Silva.

The Blues first-team squad is currently going through a period of transition with as much thought being given to 2023-24 as it is to the current campaign.

Already during the January transfer window, the West Londoners have made six first-team additions, including that of Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

The France international is now part of a central-defensive contingent which also includes Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, Trevoh Chalobah and Silva.

However, the latter, who turned 38 years of age in September, currently has less than six months remaining on his contract, throwing up the possibility of an exit.

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Nevertheless, according to The Times, Chelsea are keen for the veteran to pen fresh terms and continue representing the team at the back end of his career.

The report claims that head coach Graham Potter sees Silva as the ideal role model at a time when many young players are still finding their feet at the club and in the professional game.

With Silva also believed to be happy with life in London, a renewal currently looks more likely than a return to Brazil or another nation.

In total, the former Paris Saint-Germain man has made 95 starts and 10 substitute outings since leaving Parc des Princes in August 2020.

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Chelsea won the Champions League in Silva's first season, and he played a key role in helping Thomas Tuchel's side lifting the Club World Cup and challenging for the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022-23.

Negotiations are likely to take place in due course with central defence currently one of the areas which Chelsea are not targeting for the remainder of the month.

A right-back and central midfielder are desired by the club's recruitment team with Lyon's Malo Gusto allegedly being identified in the former of those positions.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also said to be interested in signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, who is said to not be a certainty to stay at Goodison Park.