Chelsea are in discussions to sign Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, according to sources in Brazil.
Enzo Maresca’s side have already completed five additions this summer in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo.
However, they are still looking to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, and a new central midfielder is on the club’s shortlist.
According to Globo, Chelsea has already contacted Pereira’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, to explore the Brazilian international’s potential move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The report claims that Maresca has personally approved Chelsea’s push to sign Pereira, and the club are ready to pay up to £35 million to Fulham.
Pereira, meanwhile, is said to have reached a verbal agreement with Fulham that would allow him to leave Craven Cottage if they receive an acceptable offer.
Joorabchian has also been approached by Monaco, who came second in Ligue 1 last year and will play in the redesigned Champions League this season.
However, Pereira would want to stay in London and sign with Chelsea.
CHELSEA SUMMER SIGNINGS 2024
Tosin Adarabioyo (from Fulham, free transfer)
Marc Guiu (Barcelona, £5m)
Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa, £19m)
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City, £30m)
Renato Veiga (FC Basel, £12m)
Chelsea have identified Pereira as a potential successor for Conor Gallagher, who might depart Stamford Bridge before the conclusion of the summer transfer season given he has just a year remaining on his contract.
The 24-year-old, who Chelsea values at £50 million, has drawn interest from Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, and Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Pereira has been on vacation with his family in the United States and has made three substitute appearances for Brazil at the Copa America this summer.
He is due to report to Fulham at the end of the month for their pre-season camp in Portugal.
Fulham grabbed Pereira in a £10m transfer from Manchester United two years ago. Last season, the Brazilian scored three goals and registered seven assists in 37 Premier League matches.