Chelsea to rival Manchester United and Liverpool for £87million rated Benfica star Antonio Silva

Antonio Silva has an £87m release clause in his Benfica contract (Photo: Getty)



Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for Antonio Silva, but have been told they must break the bank to sign the Benfica star.



United have been tracking Silva since October and is said to be the club’s ‘priority target’ in the upcoming summer transfer window.



The 20-year-old is one of the highest-rated young defenders in the world and was nominated for the Kopa Trophy in 2023 alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Rasmus Hojlund.



He only made his senior debut last season, but quickly established himself at the Portuguese giants, helping his side concede just 20 goals in 34 games as they won the Primeira Liga title.



However, Benfica are unwilling to sell and though Silva has a release clause, it is worth €100million (£86.7m), meaning the Red Devils will wait until the end of the season to make their move.



But this could allow rivals Chelsea to swoop in and hijack the transfer with The Sun reporting that the Blues have been scouting the centre-back for several weeks and are determined to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea attempted to offer £52m and Armando Broja to sign Silva (Photo: Getty)



It has been claimed that the West Londoners are unsatisfied with their current backline as Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have underperformed, while Wesley Fofana has barely played because of injuries.



Furthermore, reports say that Mauricio Pochettino’s side have already held talks with Benfica over the Portugal international and have made a lucrative bid of £52m plus striker Armando Broja.



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This offer was swiftly rejected however, with Benfica telling Chelsea that if they want Silva they must trigger his release clause.



Other centre-backs the Blues have been linked with include Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, who is also on United and Tottenham’s shortlist.





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