Matheus Nunes has already given a verdict on his future, with Chelsea said to be among several Premier League sides eager to secure his signature. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Sporting CP this summer, but it seems as if the midfielder is satisfied and keen to respect his contract at the Estádio José Alvalade.
According to A Bola, via the Express, the Blues will look to offer around £39million for the Portugal international plus an additional £4million in add-ons. The west Londoners are reportedly looking to capitalise on the reluctance among potential suitors to table bids, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton said to be in the transfer pursuit.
Bruno Lage's side have reportedly held 'extensive negotiations' with the Portuguese giants but, despite tabling a respectable offer, Nunes has doubts over a move to Molineux. And, with Ruben Neves no longer poised to leave Wolves, doubt has been cast as to how the club will fund an offer to rival the west Londoners' interest.
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It's said that Chelsea's offer could be enough to grant Tuchel his first signing of the summer in what would represent a statement, but also unorthodox, signing. However, if Nunes, who sees his contract with Sporting expire in 2026, is to stay true to his word then a deal could prove difficult to engineer.
"My goal is to fulfil the contract (until 2026)," he told Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã. "I have a contract with Sporting. There is no point transferring me. I’m happy at Sporting. The Portuguese league is a great league."
Nunes featured 33 times for the Portuguese giants in Liga NOS this summer, directly contributing to five goals from the heart of midfield. His impressive displays steered Sporting towards a title charge with his energetic and combative displays, growing into one of Europe's hottest prospects.
Jorginho and N'Golo Kante each see their contracts at Stamford Bridge expire next summer, so a move for Nunes paints itself a transfer that ignites Todd Boehly's reign. With Conor Gallagher poised to be welcomed into Tuchel's first-team setup this season, Chelsea could have a wealth of options in midfield, despite having missed out on former primary target Aurelien Tchouameni.
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