According to reports from London Evening Standard, Chelsea have joined the race to sign highly-rated Benfica winger Goncalo Guedes.
The 18-year-old, who has earned comparisons with three-time Ballon d’Or winner and countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, claimed the Portuguese second tier’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award last season whilst dazzling for Benfica’s B string, amassing eight goals and 14 assists, and is now showing great promise at first team level.
Indeed, Guedes became the youngest Portuguese goalscorer in Champions League history earlier this season, netting the winner in a 2-1 over Atletico Madrid – one of the most defensively-assured sides in Europe.
His progress has already caught the attention of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Serie A outfit AC Milan according to the tabloids. The Premier League trio sent scouts to watch the Portugal U21, who was called up to Fernando Santos’ senior side earlier this week, during Aguias’ recent Champions League win over Galatasaray.
According to London Evening Standard, however, Chelsea representatives have also been running the rule over Guedes, whose contract includes a £40million release clause. The west London outfit are also keeping an eye on Anderson Talisca, the towering Brazilian forward who has been likened to Manchester City’s Yaya Toure.
However, The Standard believe any Blues bid for Guedes will likely take place next summer rather than during the January transfer window.