CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with Thiago Silva agreeing a £70,000-a-week deal at Fiorentina, according to reports.
The Blues were linked with a move for the veteran Brazilian defender.
With his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring after the Champions League final, he could have provided some much-needed experience to Frank Lampard’s defence.
Chelsea were reportedly offered Silva and were planning to open talks over a two-year deal.
Arsenal, who are set to sign Gabriel Magalhaes, and Everton, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, were also linked.
But according to Corriere dello Sport, Silva, 35, is on his way to Fiorentina.
He is on course to take a major pay cut, too.
The PSG legend, who has broken records galore during his eight years at the Ligue 1 giants, is set to slash his weekly cheque from £325,000 to £70,000.
On top of that, the reports suggest he has even started house hunting in Florence to help smooth the transition if he does complete the switch.
Silva lived in Italy during his time with AC Milan between 2009 and 2012.
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It is thought Franck Ribery has been key in trying to lure Silva to Fiorentina, who have one of the youngest squads in Europe’s top-five leagues.
So the Brazilian would again add plenty of trophy-winning quality and know-how as he looks to end his career where he has enjoyed so much success.
Speaking earlier this week, the Brazilian said: “I have already said a lot of times before I wanted to, that I want to finish here in Europe.
“A decision was taken, now things are calm in my head.
“It will be in another club, but my heart will stay here.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/wenger-knew-ex-arsenal-ace-serge-gnabry-would-become-a-star-and-regrets-losing-him-to-bayern-munich
