Chelsea given HOPE in race for Man City superstar

Chelsea have been given fresh hope in their surprise pursuit of Ruben Dias, with Manchester City reportedly open to selling the Portugal international in 2025.

Dias has played an indispensable role under Pep Guardiola since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2020, but he could reportedly leave the club next summer.

The 27-year-old may be offloaded as Man City plan a major reshuffle of their first-team squad, according to a shock report from TEAMtalk.

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Dias has made 191 appearances during his time at Man City, but Chelsea are keeping a close eye on his situation at the Etihad as they eye a possible swoop next year.

The Blues have shifted their focus to signing the best young prospects in world football, however they reportedly view Dias’ experience as a “potentially priceless addition” following the exit of Thiago Silva this summer.

The Benfica academy product has won 13 trophies for club and country during his career, and Chelsea are eager to bring him to Stamford Bridge, despite the presence of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi.

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Pep Guardiola on Ruben Dias

Dias’ leadership has been widely praised by Guardiola during his time at Man City, and Chelsea are hoping to benefit from his experience from next season onwards.

Back in 2023, Guardiola told the Man City club website: “Ruben is not playing just his game. He is playing the game for everyone.

“He has the ability to see and solve problems for many things. His character is so important. His leadership is huge especially even when he didn’t play.

“You should see the impact before the game, at half time or full time when he didn’t play. He behaved the same when he was playing. That makes you deserve to be captain. His character is really important.

“For training he arrives two hours before, leaves two hours after. He lives 24 hours for his profession.”

Dias’ current Man City contract runs until 2027, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €70.5 million – the second highest of any defender in world football, behind Arsenal’s William Saliba.