Chelsea are said to be one of the most interested clubs in Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes this summer, according to reports.
The 23-year-old had a fine season in Portugal, making 50 appearances in total as he bagged three goals and registered two assists.
Manchester City have also been interested in a move for the Portugal international, but have recently signed Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United.
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It was previously reported that Chelsea were ready to make a £42.8 million bid for the 23-year-old, but this is yet to happen.
Wolverhampton Wanderers were also preparing a similar bid but any offer from Bruno Lage’s side hinges on Ruben Neves leaving the club this summer.
Tuchel’s midfield is stacked with options. Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are set to discuss their futures this summer, while Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, Ethan Ampadu and Ross Barkley are all available to the Blues head coach, with several departures expected this summer.
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Kante has not travelled with the squad for the U.S. pre-season tour as they undergo a two-week camp, facing Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal before returning.
Nunes’ name has been brought up once again, with Chelsea facing competition for the Portugal star.
German pundit Florian Plettenberg has now confirmed that the interest goes beyond Chelsea, Wolves and Manchester City.
He said that 15 to 20 top clubs have already enquired about the player, ‘asking for his transfer conditions’.
However, no Bundesliga team is in for the midfielder.
It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will pursue their initial interest in the 23-year-old.
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It doesn’t appear that the midfield position is a priority for Chelsea unless departures occur following an admission from a senior source close to the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium.
After confirming up to six signings could arrive in the summer transfer window, they told The Telegraph last month: "We really want to make sure we have a good defence. We've got depth in midfield. We're not desperate for an out-and-out striker.”
Defenders are yet to join the club despite Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing the club this summer.
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The likes of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe have been linked.
However, the latest reports stated that the Blues were advancing in talks for Nathan Ake this summer, looking to bring in the Manchester City central defender.
Therefore, other positions could be prioritised despite their interest in Nunes.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Sporting CP, Sporting Lisbon, Premier League, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms