Thomas Tuchel looks set to heed Pep Guardiola's instruction and take a leaf out of Manchester United's book, with Chelsea reportedly preparing a huge bid for Matheus Nunes. The Sporting star has been heavily linked with an exit from Estádio José Alvalade this summer amid rival interest from Manchester City.
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.
According to A Bola, via the Express, the Blues will look to offer around £39million for the 23-year-old maestro, 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 also said to be in the transfer race.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly given £32.5m Cristiano Ronaldo transfer incentive as Chelsea copy Man United trick
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. Wolves have reportedly held 'extensive negotiations' with Sporting but despite tabling a respectable offer, Nunes has doubts over a move to Molineux.
With Ruben Neves no longer destined to leave Bruno Lage's side, doubt has been cast as to how Wolves will fund a rival offer amid the west Londoners' interest. Nunes, who sees his contract with the Portuguese giants expire in 2026, earned great praise from Guardiola back in February when City and Sporting locked horns in the Champions League.
The Spaniard labelled the Portugal international as 'one of the best in the world', giving Tuchel the green light to complete a deal, should there have been any hesitation. Guardiola said: “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."
Following the initial success story of Bruno Fernandes when he swapped Estádio José Alvalade for Old Trafford, Chelsea can hope to reap the same success United did when buying from Sporting. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante each see their contract at Stamford Bridge expire next summer, so a move for Nunes paints itself as the first transfer of a Todd Boehly project.
READ NEXT:
Richarlison to Spurs hands Todd Boehly wake-up call amid Chelsea and Raphinha transfer impasse
Thomas Tuchel may already have the answer to Chelsea's £50m Manchester City transfer problem
Barcelona secure £177.6m windfall to concern Chelsea in Raphinha transfer battle
Sell Timo Werner, keep Levi Colwill - How Chelsea's squad should look after the transfer window
Pep Guardiola has already told Thomas Tuchel what Nathan Ake offers amid Chelsea transfer move
