Chelsea make HUGE summer transfer decision

Chelsea reportedly want to re-introduce Renato Veiga into the first-team fold following his loan spell at Juventus.

The Portugal international moved to Stamford Bridge from FC Basel for €14 million in July, but he joined Juventus on loan during the winter transfer window after failing to break into Enzo Maresca’s preferred XI.

Veiga was largely deployed at left-back following his arrival at Chelsea, although his preferred role is as a central defender and he has excelled in this position since joining Juventus.

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The Serie A giants have been thoroughly impressed with his start to life in Turin and they are reportedly eager to make his loan deal permanent once the 2024-25 campaign draws to a close.

However, Chelsea have been closely monitoring Veiga’s form in Italy and they are hoping to keep him at the club next season, according to TBR Football.

The Blues aren’t willing to set an asking price for the 21-year-old and they are reportedly open to offloading Benoit Badiashile in order to create room for Veiga in their first-team squad.

The Portugal star is happy at Juventus, which could play a key role in determining his future, but Chelsea are currently hoping to keep Veiga this summer and he could be used as a centre-back by Maresca next campaign.

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Renato Veiga to stay at Chelsea?

Levi Colwill is expected to remain Chelsea’s preferred option as a left-footed central defender, although Veiga’s impressive form at Juventus could land him a place in the Blues’ first-team in 2024-25.

If Chelsea do opt to sell Veiga this summer, they are likely to pursue a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen both on the club’s radar.

Jules Kounde has also been linked with a speculative move to Stamford Bridge, although he is highly likely to remain at Barcelona.