Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Ruben Semedo and Pepe

Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Sporting CP’s defensive starlet Ruben Semedo, with Real Madrid’s veteran centre-back Pepe also linked to the Blues.

According to Correio da Manha (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), Chelsea are big admirers of 22-year-old Semedo and have had scouts at all of the Lisbon club’s matches so far this season. In the piece it’s stated the Blues would have to part with a fee close to the defender’s €45 million (£40 million) release clause to sign him.

Semedo has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the Portuguese top flight, excelling at the base of Jorge Jesus’ side; Everton are also noted as potential suitors for the defender. Here’s a look at why there’s so much buzz about the centre-back:

Additionally, the report noted that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to have six central defenders available to call upon; the Italian coach has recently switched to a formation that incorporates a three-man defence and wing-backs.

The personnel currently available to the manager haven’t totally convinced yet either. David Luiz has done well since returning to the club in the summer, although he still can’t be totally relied upon; meanwhile, Gary Cahill splits opinion, while skipper John Terry and former stalwart Branislav Ivanovic are both past their best.

It’s suggested the Blues have been looking at more experienced defenders too. Indeed, according to the story, Semedo is being pursued as an alternative to Real Madrid’s Pepe.

Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Now 33 years old, the Los Blancos stopper certainly wouldn’t offer the same sort of longevity as his compatriot, but he’d be a superb quick fix for Conte. Pepe was vital last term for club and country, helping Madrid to UEFA Champions League glory and Portugal to victory in the UEFA European Championship.

ESPN FC’s Dermot Corrigan feels as though the Madrid centre-back would be an excellent pickup for any Premier League club:

Semedo is certainly not as refined as his more senior compatriot. After all, he was sent out on loan by the Lisbon outfit last term to Vitoria Setubal and although he returned to Sporting for the second half of the campaign, did occasionally show a lack of discipline; he was sent off twice during his loan spell and once for Sporting, against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League.

Provided that aggression can be channelled appropriately, Semedo has all the natural gifts needed to go far in the game. In the air he’s colossal, on the ball he’s strong and even those who have watched him briefly will note that his defensive instincts are razor sharp.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

This term, he’s been smarter in where he’s been robust too, picking up just one yellow card in league matches. Portuguese football journalist Tom Kundert feels as though he’s ready to be called up into the country’s senior squad:

Pepe has been the linchpin of the Selecao’s defensive structure for years, and in Semedo, we could potentially be looking at his natural heir. However, the Madrid man still has a lot to offer, even at this stage of his career, and with his contract up next summer, it’d be no surprise if a lot of clubs were sniffing around.

For Conte, Pepe would be an immediate fix to some of the Blues’ defensive problems and a figure who would bring so much to the team in terms of his mentality. However, if the Chelsea boss is looking at his squad with the long term in mind, Semedo is undoubtedly the preferable option.