Simon Johnson of the Athletic is one of the better connected Chelsea reporters, and when he says something we tend to believe it.
In this case he’s not making much of a major claim – instead he’s confirming what was already suspected yesterday when Chelsea were strongly linked with a bid for Santos winger Angelo Gabriel.
It all feels a bit curious given our existing options on the right wing are pretty deep – but Johnson explains what we had already suspected, that it’s a first signing for our new affiliate club Strasbourg.
He will be a Chelsea player on loan there, and looks good enough to improve their first team right away and play regularly in Ligue 1.
It will be a €15m deal according to these reports, for an 18 year old who has already racked up an impressive 129 appearances for Santos in the Brazilian top flight. Barcelona have a first option on Angelo Gabriel, but this piece says they’re not expected to exercise it.
Chelsea offer has been accepted, and the youngster will sign a 5 year deal. He’s a Brazil U20 international which should help his work permit case – another benefit of loaning him to France is that he can establish himself in a top European league and earn points towards his eventual UK work permit that way.
It will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s plans for him are – a quick flip for profit, a player to strengthen an affiliate team, or a genuine prospect they think can one day play a role in the first team.
