Exclusive: Chelsea ahead of competition in race for PSG-fond Thiago Maia | by Nicola Balice
Brazil’s upcoming double friendly with Mexico in the Federal Capital is set to be fraught with consequences, especially for Juventus target Thiago Maia.
Our sources tell us, in fact, that Chelsea have stolen ahead of the ample competition for the 19-year-old. Coach Antonio Conte has fallen in love with the talent, and believes that the winger is what he needs for his side, and can adapt to English football. A €10 million offer is ready to be made.
Juventus, for their part, have been working on the Santos midfielder’s case for a year, having followed him in a similar way to talents like Gabriel Jesus with Fabio Paratici’s scouts.
The Bianconeri’s biggest obstacle is a certain Kia Joorabchian, who could also be their biggest ally if he returns the favour they did client Carlos Tevez, whom they allowed to move back to Boca Juniors a year early.
Napoli and Milan are also interested, as well as PSG, with the Brazilian telling ESPN Brazil that “many want to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but I identify myself with PSG. There have been no contacts, and it’s not a given that I’ll go there, but I have a lot of friends in Paris, and Marquinhos has told me how the club is.
“I leave [my future] in my agent’s hands. I’ll be exclusively focussed on Santos until the end of the year, then we’ll talk of my future”.
Nicola Balice @NicolaBalice , adapted by @EdoDalmonte
