Ligue 1 team HIJACKS Chelsea’s chase of Brazilian wonderkid

After interest from AS Monaco, Chelsea’s pursuit of Santos wonderkid Deivid Washington has run into trouble.

According to Globo and Fabrizio Romano, on August 4, the Blues formally offered the 18-year-old forward, and personal agreements were reached with the Stamford Bridge team.

Chelsea intends to transfer Washington to their Ligue 1 partner club Strasbourg and is also thought to be confident of completing a deal for him.

Monaco, though, is prepared to enter the race as they try to sabotage Chelsea’s pursuit of Washington.

Monaco wants Washington.
Monaco’s new sports director, Thiago Scuro, reportedly travelled to Brazil to speak with Washington and his family to convince Washington to reject Chelsea and transfer to the Principality.

Santos’ €20 million asking price has not yet been met by Monaco, who are reportedly trying to outbid Chelsea for the services of Washington.

Adi Hutter, the manager of Monaco, is said to be interested in signing Washington after being pleased with his transition to adult football.

Since making his Santos first-team debut in April 2023, Washington has scored twice in nine Serie A outings in Brazil.

Denis Zakaria, a midfielder for Juventus, a former Chelsea loanee, and Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham are both targets for Monaco.

Although Axel Disasi (Chelsea), Jean Lucas (Santos), Arthur Zagre (Excelsior), Jean Marcelin (Bordeaux), Anthony Musaba (Sheffield Wednesday), and Pele (released) have all departed, they have already signed Mohamed Salisu from Southampton and Philipp Kohn from RB Salzburg this summer.

Washington would become the 23rd player under 23 to join Chelsea since Todd Boehly became the club’s owner last summer if he signs with them.

The Blues added Disasi, Robert Sanchez, Angelo Gabriel, Lesley Ugochukwu, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and Diego Moreira in this window.