Chelsea Transfer News: Bernardo Silva Talk Emerges, John Terry Exit Rumours

Chelsea have been named as one of a clutch of clubs reportedly chasing Monaco’s midfield starlet, Bernardo Silva, although he could cost a whopping £21.7 million in the January transfer window.

According to Tuttosport (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness), the Blues, Juventus and Inter Milan are all keeping an eye on the Portugal international. The 21-year-old has been superb since signing for Monaco and is rated as one of the finest young playmakers in the game. However, it’s claimed there’s a €30 million (£21.7 million) valuation of the youngster.

There’s definitely an argument to suggest Silva would be worth that kind of money, though. Here’s a look at the kind of talent the young man possesses:

Anyone who tuned into the European Under-21 Championships during the summer will recall just how impressive a player Silva is. He has an understanding of the game that belies his tender years, is technically tremendous and can fulfill a variety of different tactical roles in the team, whether playing centrally or floating in from the flanks.

As WhoScored.com showcase here, during that competition, he was devastating with the ball at his feet:

Chelsea could certainly do with a player who would add that kind of guile to their forward forays. At the moment, Jose Mourinho’s side are looking blunt up top, with Diego Costa ponderous and the players who supplied the bullets so frequently last season completely out of sync with him.

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Indeed, even Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s standout performer in a wonderful 2014-15 campaign, has been badly out of form. Squawka Football illustrates just how poor the Belgian has been lately when compared to his usual high standards:

Even so, spending big to bring in Silva wouldn’t be the answer for the Blues midseason. The Portuguese would surely jump at the chance to play for an established elite side like Chelsea and under the tutelage of his compatriot, Mourinho. But after some patchy showings in Ligue 1 so far this term, it’s clear he’s still rough around the edges.

The Premier League would be far too steep of a learning curve for Silva to come in and make the immediate impact Chelsea require at this point. Nonetheless, in the future, he’s definitely a player to keep a close eye on.

Chinese Super League Want John Terry

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According to Sami Mokbel of the Mail Online, John Terry is a target for Chinese Super League teams, as the division seeks to grow its brand. Mokbel writes Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is the league’s primary aim, citing a potential £75 million deal from Shanghai SIPG. However, their interest in the Chelsea captain is also noted.

Terry, who has been in and out of the Blues team this season, could sign for a new club as early as January, with his contract to expire at Stamford Bridge at the end of the campaign.

It’d be a big blow for Chelsea if they were to lose their captain, even if he is now 35 years old. As noted by the Premier League Twitter feed, he’s long been a brilliant player for the Blues:

It’s his influence around the club that will be tough to replicate, too. Terry has been at the heart of many successful Chelsea teams and knows exactly what it means to don the all-blue strip. Should he leave, players with a connection to the supporters and emotive ties to the club, like he has, will be scarce.

That’s something every team needs if they’re to be a success over time. As we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe, Chelsea are lacking in English players, which will be a worry for some supporters:

However, from Terry’s perspective, it’d be wise to consider options. While he may not be able to play at the elite level for much longer, should he move abroad to a league like the CSL or Major League Soccer in the United States, he could still be a useful player. He’d get paid handsomely for it, too.

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Chelsea would be wise to keep the defender on board in some capacity. Mourinho’s side is lacking in leaders beyond their current figurehead. And with no new candidates for the captaincy emerging this season, another year around the club would be preferable. Doing so would make the transition easier once Terry does eventually decide to call it a day with the Blues.