Serious rumours have started linking Chelsea with a move for Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes.

Portuguese media outlet A Bola has claimed that Chelsea are ready to table an offer of £42.8 million, including bonuses, for the midfielder this summer.

The reports further claims that Chelsea could make an offer as early as Wednesday as Chelsea look to bolster the squad ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States scheduled to kick off next weekend.

The 23-year-old Portuguese is highly rated in the Portuguese league.

Nunes is the typical modern-day midfielder who is tricky, but also has the industrial side to his game, as he can be very hardworking in the middle of the park.

Last season, Nunes received high praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who dubbed him as one of the best in the world following his performance in the Champions League against City.

“Sporting are a fantastic team, they are the champions of Portugal, which have a very strong league, with Porto and Benfica, they change the ball well, they have fast and intelligent players,” acknowledged Guardiola.

“I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today.”

Nunes played 33 times for Sporting CP in Portugal’s top division last season – scoring three goals and recording two assists.

Chelsea’s move for Nunes is born out of the fact that Chelsea may be deficit in the middle of the park next season.

Saul Niguez has returned to Atletico Madrid, while the likes of Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek  and Ross Barkley are being linked with moves away.

N’Golo Kante has as well become injury prone – which further shows the need for a new central midfielder.