Chelsea ‘identify Thiago Silva replacement’ with club ready to cash in but they could face battle with Man Utd
CHELSEA have eyed up Jean-Clair Todibo to replace Thiago Silva – who is set to leave the Blues at the end of the season.
The centre-back – who is also wanted by Manchester United – has been warned by Nice he could be up for sale in 2024.
Silva, 39, is renowned as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
The veteran has made 137 appearances for Chelsea across four seasons after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
But with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire next summer, the Brazilian’s future at the club is uncertain.
The West London side will be short of centre-half options if Silva departs, as Trevoh Chalobah‘s Chelsea spell comes to an end too.
And with Wesley Fofana currently recovering from a knee ligament injury there is no guarantee he will be fit enough to start the 2024-25 campaign.
Todibo is potentially an excellent choice to take Silva’s spot in Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad.
The ex-Barcelona star has spent just over two seasons on the French Riviera.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a successful start for Nice, playing 104 times and helping his side on their way to the Coupe de France final in 2021-22.
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Despite missing out on Todibo in the summer due to Harry Maguire’s failed transfer to West Ham – the Red Devils still have an eye on the Frenchman.
Whether Nice allow the French international to depart mid-season depends on their standing in the Ligue 1 table.
So far this term, the French giants are unbeaten in 11 games and sit top of the league – a point ahead of rivals PSG.
Nice have conceded just four goals in 2023-24 thanks to the help of Todibo’s defensive prowess.
But Nice may still choose to cash in on the defender in the New Year to maximise their profits.
This would be great news for Chelsea as, like Silva, Tobido is right-footed and plays on the right-hand side of the pitch.