Chelsea negotiating Thiago Silva renewal | OneFootball

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with veteran defender Thiago Silva over a contract extension.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the club hold the 38-year-old in high esteem and are desperate to tie him down to a new one-year contract.

The veteran’s current deal runs out in the summer and the Blues are hellbent on extending his stay in west London until 2024.

The former AC Milan centre-back joined Chelsea in 2020 as a free agent after running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and has since gone from strength to strength in the Premier League.

In addition to his well-documented defensive skills, Silva has displayed his leadership qualities on and off the field, becoming one of the most influential figures in the dressing room.

Despite landing Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana last summer, Chelsea have relied heavily on the Brazilian defender this term, as evidenced by his 19 Premier League appearances.

Winter acquisition Benoit Badiashile is one for the future, meaning Silva will likely remain the Pensioners’ defensive cornerstone until the end of the season at the very least.

Aware of Silva’s importance to Graham Potter’s set-up, Chelsea are keen to complete his contract extension on short notice, with talks between the parties already well underway.

Although the player’s stance remains a mystery for the time being, there’s a feeling the official announcement could arrive soon.