Chelsea table bid for AC Milan target Souza

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January 2, 2026 05:27 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Immediately after firing manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s directors have tabled a bid for Santos’ defender Souza, with the full-back on a transfer wishlist of five players for the January window. AC Milan had their initial offer of 10 million euros rejected for Souza, and now Chelsea have tabled a bid of £15 million.

Souza is one of the brightest prospects in Brazil at this time, and he has already made 37 appearances for his current club Santos since making his debut in 2024. The player emerged through Santos’ youth setup and is seen as one of the team’s best prospects for the future.

A marauding left-back, Souza is comfortable getting forward and an excellent defender, and already he has helped Santos to the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B last season and was also a member of Brazil’s under-17 side that won the South American u-17 championship in 2023.

The Blues are already seeking defensive reinforcements amidst a crisis at Stamford Bridge, with manager Maresca let go yesterday, and Liam Rosenior expected to take charge of Chelsea on Saturday.