Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid has emerged as a strong suitor for Chelsea defender Renato Veiga.
Rojiblancos are keen to make more additions to their squad this summer following the arrivals of Matteo Ruggeri, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, and Johnny Cardoso, with the latest arrival being Marc Pubill.
Manager Diego Simeone has already identified the 21-year-old Chelsea defender as one of the players who could improve their chances in the upcoming La Liga season.
Chelsea signed the Portuguese for €14m, but he has not been able to break into Enzo Maresca’s team. He spent the other half of the season at Juventus, but he is now set to move to La Liga.
Due to his versatility to play as a left-back, defensive midfielder, and centre-back, his natural position, it is easy to see why the Madrid club are interested in his services.
Renato Veiga set for another move away from Stamford Bridge
According to ESPN sources, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea are set to hold talks in the next few hours to finalise a deal for the player’s move to the LaLiga side.
Following the arrival of Marc Pubill as new right-back, it is believed that Diego Simeone is keen to bring in a new centre-back this summer as the Madrid club continues to spend heavily in the transfer window.
“Sources told ESPN that Atlético are still far from reaching the £40-45 million ($54m-60m) that Chelsea are asking for in order for a deal to be agreed for the Portuguese centre-back, but the meeting should serve to bring the two sides closer together in valuation.
“Atlético will pay Almería a fixed fee of €16m plus €4m in variables in the Pubill deal, and have beaten Barcelona and AC Milan to the signing, who sources told ESPN, were also very interested in the Spain under-21 international,” the post on ESPN concluded.
On the other hand, Atlético and Inter Miami have finally reached an agreement for the transfer of Rodrigo de Paul to the MLS.
On Renato Veiga, back in January when he was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca said: “At the moment, I am not aware that there is an agreement for Renato. The only thing I can say is that yesterday he was here working with us, today he will be here with us. At the moment, he is our player. We will see if something happens but he was working yesterday and will work today. I am not aware of any agreement for him.”
“The only thing I can say is we bought Renato from Basel. He arrived here, played in different positions, played well and this allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life, senior national team. Probably even if he is not playing in his position, if he is playing for the national team, then that probably means that in the position he is playing, he can do well.
“We are very proud of all our players that can join national teams. Especially in this case, with young players of 21 or 22 that join us and start to play in different positions, four or five different positions, that will give him the chance to join the international team. So we are very proud about that.”
Despite the good words of the manager, Veiga is not expected to feature for the Blues again next season.
It was a largely successful summer on the pitch for Chelsea as they won the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Fans will gladly go for the Chelsea tickets ahead of the new season.
Players on Chelsea’s transfer out list
Chelsea continues from where they left off in previous summers with the arrivals of several players. In return, they need to sell some players off in order to raise funds.
It is not surprising that they are listening to Atletico’s offer for Veiga. However, he is not the only player expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
Forwards like Christopher Nkunku – who played a significant role in Chelsea’s successful Club World Cup campaign – are surplus to requirements. Winger Raheem Sterling had an unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal and is expected to also depart the club.
Chelsea are also looking to offload several players who spent last season out on loan. Carney Chukwuemeka, who was on loan at Dortmund last season, could also be on his way out, with RB Leipzig showing interest in the young midfielder.
Chelsea have their own “Lamine Yamal”
Former Chelsea and Brazilian star Willian has backed youngster Estêvão to deliver for the Blues in the coming season.
Willian, who expects big things from the teenager, stated: “Without a doubt, he has a lot of potential, a lot of quality. The player has the advantage of still being so young, but with great potential like Lamine Yamal, they have a similar style.
“I hope that he can be very successful here in England playing for Chelsea, he can win many titles, score a lot of goals with the Chelsea jersey and he will help to win titles over the years.
“My advice is that he dedicates himself to the fullest. In England, football is quite different to what he is used to. When he gets here I think he needs some extra work at the club. I’m sure he has a very good head.
“There’s no need to argue about his quality, he has more than enough quality to play for a big club like Chelsea. But I hope he can adapt as quickly as possible and get into the style of play here to be very successful.”
Estêvão, after a great outing with Palmeiras at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, will arrive at Stamford Bridge in August to complete his switch.
“It means everything,” Estêvão told ESPN Brasil on his switch to Chelsea. “It’s a dream come true for me.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing in Europe alongside the best. Playing in important competitions, such as the Champions League and the Premier League. It’s a dream come true. It will be very important for my life.
