Thiago Silva has confirmed his exit from Paris Saint-Germain following the club’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, with the defender reportedly ‘close’ to completing a free transfer move to Chelsea.
The veteran defender will leave the French champions as a free agent after eight trophy-laden seasons with PSG, with the Brazilian having confirmed the club’s loss to Bayern was the final appearance of his career with the Parisians.
“It was my last match as a PSG player,” Silva said following PSG’s Champions League final defeat.
“I’m sad and I’ll be back with another role in future but I’ve to change. I want to play for another three or four years more and be part of Brazil team in Qatar World Cup.”
Silva captained the side during their run to a maiden Champions League final and his availability on a free transfer has alerted several sides including Chelsea, with Sky Sports reporting that the west London side are closing in on the signing of the 35-year-old on a one-year deal.
Frank Lampard has been desperate to bolster a defence which conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League’s top half last season, and views Silva as a cost-efficient and high-quality addition to the Blues’ defensive ranks.
The Brazil international will arrive at Stamford Bridge with a wealth of experience having won seven league titles during a glittering career with PSG, whilst his signing could allow Lampard to sell one of his four first-team centre-backs in a bid to raise further funds for transfer activity.
Reports this weekend suggested the club were closing in on an agreement for England left-back Ben Chilwell, with Leicester believed to have lowered their demands amid the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Talks are also continuing over a big-money move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, Chelsea looking to continue an impressive summer of recruitment following the confirmed arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
Read – Five of the best individual performances in Champions League history
Read Also – Player Analysis: How will Timo Werner fit in at Chelsea?
