Chelsea in talks to sign £35m former Manchester United star after Enzo Maresca approval

Chelsea have begun negotiations to sign Andreas Pereira from Fulham (Shutterstock)

Chelsea are in talks to sign Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, according to reports in Brazil.

Enzo Maresca’s side have already made five signings this summer in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, Marc Guiu and Tosin Adarabioyo.

But they are still in the market to bolster their squad even further ahead of the new Premier League season and a new reinforcement for central midfield is on the club’s shortlist.

According to Globo, Chelsea have already made contact with Pereira’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, to discuss the Brazil international’s possible move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The report claims that Maresca has personally approved Chelsea’s push to sign Pereira, and the club are ready to pay up to £35 million to Fulham.

Enzo Maresca has personally approved Chelsea’s move for Andreas Pereira (Getty)

Pereira, meanwhile, is said to have reached a verbal agreement with Fulham that would allow him to leave Craven Cottage if they receive an acceptable offer.

Monaco, who finished second in Ligue 1 last season and will be in the revamped Champions League this term, have also made an approach to Joorabchian.

However, Pereira’s preference would be to remain in London and join Chelsea.

Chelsea have identified Pereira as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who could leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the summer transfer window as he has just a year remaining on his contract.

Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa have all expressed an interest in signing the 24-year-old, who Chelsea value at £50m.

Pereira, meanwhile, made three substitute appearances for Brazil at the Copa America this summer and has stayed in the United States on holiday with his family.

He is due to report to Fulham at the end of the month for their pre-season camp in Portugal.

Fulham signed Pereira in a £10m deal from Manchester United two years ago. Last season, the Brazilian scored three goals and registered seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.

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