Chelsea have reportedly identified yet another Brazilian starlet as a transfer target.
Having secured Champions League qualification, Blues supporters can expect yet another busy period in the market as Chelsea relentlessly try to strengthen their squad.
However, even prior to the expected arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, Brazilian duo Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian are expected to become part of Enzo Maresca's senior crop next season.
The pair have been starring at Strasbourg and Palmeiras respectively, in contrast to the likes of Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington who have either already departed Stamford Bridge or likely have no future at the club.
Nevertheless, as per the Na Torcida Vascainos channel on YouTube, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are ready to give the green light to signing yet another player of a similar profile.
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Maresca 'approves' target
The report claims that Chelsea are attempting to negotiate a deal for Vasco Da Gama prospect Rayan, who has already racked up plenty of time in the senior ranks.
Rayan has contributed eight goals and two assists from his 63 appearances in the first team, 39 of which have come in Brasileiro.
Still just 18 years of age, the experience has helped the teenager win 10 caps for Brazil Under-20s and he is due to feature at the upcoming World Cup for that age bracket.
Interest has seemingly grown through a chain of communication, starting with a Brazilian scout who passed on information to Chelsea's scouting system.
That has since been passed onto the likes of director of football Joe Shields and sporting director Paul Winstanley, ending with Enzo Maresca giving his approval.
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What fee do Chelsea want to pay?
Chelsea are allegedly keen to pay no more than €20m (£16.82m) for Rayan, whose release clause is said to be double that amount.
As it stands, Vasco Da Gama would prefer to retain the player's services, a contract being in place until December 2026.
The West Londoners are no strangers to doing business with Vasco Da Gama having signed Santos from there at the start of January 2023.
That relationship could help matters here, there also being potential for Rayan remaining at the top-flight club for the remainder of the year.
Darren Plant
