Chelsea In Advanced Talks To Sign Exciting Brazilian Right-back

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Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to secure the transfer of Brazil youth international Pedro Lima from Sport Recife, sources have revealed to FootballTransfers.

Chelsea have reportedly tabled a bid worth €8 million for the highly-rated 17-year-old full-back.

With interest also coming from Manchester City and top clubs in Italy and Spain, the negotiations remain intense. Sport Recife president Yuri Romao has traveled to London to finalize the deal with Chelsea’s representatives.

Due to Lima not meeting the criteria for a UK work permit yet, Chelsea’s sporting directors have crafted a development plan that would see him begin his European career at RC Strasbourg, a French club also under the BlueCo parent company umbrella.

This strategic move aligns with Chelsea’s efforts to navigate their significant UEFA Financial Fair Play and Premier League Profit and Sustainability constraints. The plan might involve Lima’s initial transfer directly to Strasbourg, bypassing Chelsea until he qualifies for a UK work permit.

Lima, renowned for his speed and ability to attack one-on-one, has drawn comparisons to former Brazil captain Cafu. He showcased his talents at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia last October, playing in all five matches for Brazil and recently earning a call-up to the Under-20 squad.

Since being promoted to Sport Recife’s first team in January, Lima has been a standout performer, helping his team clinch the Campeonato Pernambucano in April. He has been a consistent presence in Brazil’s Serie B and was rewarded with an improved and extended contract until 2027 in February.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Lima highlights the continued investment in young talent, with the potential move to Strasbourg offering a promising pathway for the Brazilian starlet to develop and eventually make his mark in the Premier League.