Chelsea are in advanced negotiations for teenager Pedro Lima according to reports, as the club continue to exploit the South American market.
The Blues have seen a huge shift in their transfer policy following Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover in 2022.
The transfer strategy is now focused around signing the best young talents from around the world in an attempt to uncover top players for a fraction of the price, although it must be said Chelsea haven’t been afraid to splash the cash, having broken the British transfer record twice in 2023.
Chelsea close in on Lima signing
Chelsea have really tapped into the South American market under the new ownership and have already signed Angelo Gabriel, Andrey Santos and Deivid Washington from Brazil.
The Blues have also wrapped up deals for arguably the two biggest talents in South America with Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian set to join the club in 2025 once they turn 18.
It now appears the club are closing in on another signing from Brazil, with FootballTransfers reporting a deal for Lima is now at an advanced stage.
The report claims Chelsea have offered a fee in the region of €8m for the 17-year-old full back who plays for Sport Recife.
Football Transfers add that negotiations are ongoing, with Manchester City and top clubs in Italy and Spain said to be interested, but Sport Recife president Yuri Romao has travelled to London to try and wrap up the deal.
It’s possible the teenager’s transfer could be direct to Strasbourg, with the report stating that Lima doesn’t yet qualify for a UK work permit.
Lima is an attacking right back who has been likened to Brazil legend Cafu, and has already represented Brazil at both under-17 and under-20 level.
Chelsea are currently well stocked at right back with Reece James and Malo Gusto, and it’s hard to see right now where he would feature in the first team down the line, if he does at all.