Maurizio Sarri
According to The Sun, Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandez and João Félix with the latter being looked at as a replacement to star man Eden Hazard.
Hazard’s move to Real Madrid looks imminent as he increased the speculation surrounding his future by revealing that he has made a decision earlier this week. The Belgian has turned down a £300,000-a-week offer from Chelsea and The Blues have started the hunt for a replacement, with rumours of Philippe Coutinho surfacing earlier this week.
But Chelsea have had their scouts travel to Portugal for the Lisbon Derby on Wednesday which saw Benfica beat Sporting 2-1. Lets us have at look at the three youngsters that the Blues are so keen about?
The 19-year-old has had a breakthrough campaign this season for Benfica and has scored 7 goals so far this term, including 5 in his last 7 games.
In his early games for Benfica’s first team, Joao Felix was used out on the left flank. He is predominantly a No.10 but even then he drifts out towards the touchline so that when he receives possession he can cut in on to his right foot. His technique and vision are incredible at such a young age and that allows him to either glide past opponents or take an entire defence out of the game with a single through ball.
Felix won’t come cheap as Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira revealed that he has a £105 million release clause. Chelsea will be hoping that their previous deals with Benfica for the transfers of David Luiz and Nemanja Matic will help them in their negotiations as they look to seal a deal for the exciting attacker.
The 21-year-old has featured 24 times for Benfica this season in all competitions. At first glance, Ruben Dias is a tall, strong natural athlete who is good in the air and is one who isn’t scared to get his foot in.
Dias averages 1 interception a game, 1.5 tackles and 3.2 clearances per game. He also averages an incredible 4.5 long passes every game and a pass completion rate of almost 85%.
The Portuguese is under contract at the Estadio da Luz until 2023 and Chelsea will have to dig deep into their pockets to secure the services of the young centre-back. Arsenal were linked with Dias last summer and reports suggested that Benfica would be ready to let him go for £34.9million. But with impressive performances this season, his value has gone up considerably.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been in fine form for Sporting Lisbon this season. Bruno Fernandes has scored 8 goals and has picked 6 assists in 19 games so far in the Liga NOS.
Fernandes has an excellent first touch, is calm under pressure and always looks to get in behind the opposition midfield with his penetrative through balls and connect attacking moves. His ability to shoot from distance makes him a dangerous customer around the box and he thrives around the space in that area.
Fernandes has over 3 years left on his Sporting contract and a move away will be an expensive one.
