Chelsea transfer news: Thiago Maia wants Paris Saint-Germain over Real Madrid and Barcelona despite Blues interest
Young Santos midfielder strongly linked with £15m Stamford Bridge switch in January but has his heart set on Ligue 1
REPORTED Chelsea target Thiago Maia claims he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain over Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The 19-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Brazil’s Olympic gold triumph over the summer and has been strongly linked with a move to Europe.
Chelsea are said to be interested in a £15million swoop this January, with Cesc Fabregas looking set to leave Stamford Bridge on loan.
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Maia has also been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid, where a number of compatriots– including Neymar – ply their trade.
But despite interest from England and Spain, the youngster has his heart set on a move to big-spenders PSG instead.
Current anchorman Thiago Motta isn’t getting any younger at 34, and a move to the French capital would allow Maia to link up with close friend Marquinhos.
“[Contact?] Not yet, but I hope it comes one day. As I said, I identify a lot, I have friends there. Marquinhos told me about the structure of the club. You can see it in his smile that he’s happy. If I go to PSG I will be very happy.
“I leave [my future] in the hands of my mother and my agent. My agent came out there and said some things, but I called for calm, I am going to think about Santos.
“I think a lot about Santos and the opportunity they have given me. It does not depend only on me but also on Santos.”