Chelsea have reached full agreement with Thiago Silva over extending his time at the club, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Silva’s current deal is due to run out next summer, but the Brazilian is now close to signing a new contract which would keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2024.
Since moving to London from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, Silva has been one of Chelsea’s best performers even as he approaches the latter stages of his illustrious career.
The Brazilian has previously stated his desire to play into his forties, following in the footsteps of former teammate and legendary defender Paolo Maldini.
“I hope I can do the same thing that Maldini did at Milan, playing until he was 40 or 41 years old,” the 38-year-old told Chelsea’s official website.
“That is my plan for the immediate future and I have prepared myself for that.
“You’ve always got to be active and up to speed with the new recovery methods out there.
“I’ve got lots of things I do at home like physio work, and nowadays I’ve got a better diet than before – you need to fuel yourself well, not with the bad stuff.”
With Chelsea working towards overhauling their squad with younger players, as shown by their January transfer business, keeping hold of Silva for another year would be a shrewd move on their part.
Silva’s experience and leadership at the back will prove invaluable for Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, who are expected to feature regularly in defence for Chelsea in the coming years.
Following a tough start to the 2022/23 campaign, Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League table and face the uphill task of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
