“He’s one of the best players in the World” – Pep Guardiola says on €50m Chelsea top target
According to reports in the Portuguese media, Chelsea is anticipated to make a bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes worth €50 million (£43 million).
The 23-year-old is reportedly worth €45 million (£38.5 million) upfront, plus a further €5 million (£4.3 million) in performance-based add-ons, according to the Blues.
As a holding midfielder by trade, Nunes is probably being looked at as a potential long-term replacement for Jorginho, who has just one year left on his Stamford Bridge deal.
Sporting faced Manchester City in the Champions League last year, and manager Pep Guardiola singled out Nunes for praise, saying after the 5-0 victory in February:
“Sporting are a fantastic team, they are the champions of Portugal, which have a very strong league, with Porto and Benfica, they change the ball well, they have fast and intelligent players. I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today.”
Despite the small exaggeration, it is obvious that Guardiola holds the Portuguese international in high regard. Although there have been rumors in recent months that City may make a move for the player, it now seems Chelsea are the most likely candidate to sign him.