Chelsea have a serious transfer problem to negotiate between now and the end of the season.
A number of the Blues’ current defenders – Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta – are all out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Should they all fail to sign fresh terms in west London, that would leave Thomas Tuchel with just Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah to play in a central position next season should they not elect to invest in defence.
That eventuality looks highly unlikely with constant links to Jules Kounde but the Blues would still be left light in terms of defensive options.
However, the west London club appear to have found what could be an extremely valuable solution to their impending problem, with Silva apparently close to agreeing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
As per Brazilian outlet UOL, the veteran defender has agreed to stay with Chelsea by signing a new one-year deal with the club, with an announcement reported to be ‘imminent’ despite previous suggestions linking him with a return to his homeland with Serie A giants Fluminense.
The 37-year-old’s decision to stay with Chelsea will of course be a big boost to Thomas Tuchel.
(Image: 2021 Marc Atkins)
Having arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazil international has established himself as a key member of the squad that has lifted both the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
Silva has 48 appearances for the Blues in all competitions thus far, winning an impressive 28 of those.
Tuchel has previously been full of praise for Silva following his eye-catching performances since his arrival.
Talking in September, he said: “From the first day, I met him in Paris, he was a fantastic professional and an outstanding captain. What a fantastic person.
“The approach from him to recovery, to live this life as a professional player is outstanding.
“What he eats, when he eats, how he recovers, how he trains on the pitch – he is full on, there is no training session where he is trying to hold back.”