Chelsea have been linked with a move for Santos’ Thiago Maia several times in the past.
Antonio Conte is reportedly a big fan of the 19-year-old midfielder, and Chelsea’s good relationship with agent Kia Joorabchian could help them sign the player. Joorabchian is trying to build a transfer for the player to a big European club.
However, according to latest claims from Brazilian media outlet Lance, Russian side Zenit have already made contact to sign Maia, and would be willing to spend as much as €18m on the player.
Santos are reportedly open to selling Maia, and it’s reported the Brazilian club would receive only 70% of any transfer fee, with the rest going to the player himself. There is no mention if Chelsea would revive their interest in Maia, but they might have a decision to make if Zenit are serious about signing him.
Chelsea interest in the player goes back some time and in March of this year Sport Witness spoke to the player’s representation at the time.
Alexis Malavolta, one of the agents for Figer Group, told Sport Witness: “When there were six months left to the end of our client Thiago Maia’s contract (the deal was set to end in December), we had official bids from Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Monaco and Arsenal. He chose to renew it and he’s very happy at Santos.
“Currently there are many clubs from Germany, Italy, England and Spain coming to Brazil to watch Santos games and especially see our client’s development. Now with the call up to the Olympic team, the interest from more clubs grows because of the visibility. We believe he will get to the national team soon.
“Manchester United is a club which needs no comments. I read in websites, newspapers and receive calls about these clubs, that also United and Chelsea are monitoring them to buy him. For now, no official interest or official bids have come. But if they come, I’m sure Thiago Maia will analyse it very carefully.”
Chelsea as a club is a big deal in Brazil, seen as one of the biggest clubs in Europe and most attractive destinations for a transfer. At 19 years of age, Thiago Maia will have grown up knowing Chelsea as a huge move for Brazilian players, and that would surely help with any attempt to hijack a Zenit transfer.
