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Analysis
- 57 minutes ago
Chelsea ready to sign in-form striker who loves Estevao
Cameron Smith
- 12 Mar 2026 11:59 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a sublime season under Keith Andrews, scoring 18 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, and his form has unsurprisingly resulted in significant transfer interest from a number of English top flight clubs.
Current ETV
Igor Thiago
F (C)
Brentford
Igor Thiago
F (C)
Brentford
ETV Range
€22.9M - €28M
Thiago has been earmarked as a top transfer target by the Chelsea hierarchy and the west London giants are ready to step up their pursuit of his signature following an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.
That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim that Thiago has been on Chelsea’s radar for several years, with the club now willing to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have already finalised the summer signings of Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev to bolster their forward ranks, however the former has suffered several injuries throughout this season, and the latter will only be 18 years old and is therefore unlikely to be handed a prominent role next term.
Meanwhile, Liam Delap has struggled immensely since his arrival from Ipswich Town, and Chelsea are searching for a new centre forward in a bid to improve the options at Liam Rosenior’s disposal.
Igor Thiago confirms Estevao admiration
Thiago has been linked with a move to Chelsea for several months, amid his eye-catching form for Brentford, and he recently fuelled speculation of a Stamford Bridge switch by confirming his admiration for Blues wonderkid Estevao.
During an appearance at the London Football Awards in early March, Thiago was asked which Brazil international he would like to play alongside during an interview with CB Mili Thiago said: “I think Estevao. We played together in Cruzeiro, I saw him a few times when I was there. He has some real quality, and he’s a good guy. I look forward to it.”
The Brentford striker is aiming for an inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup, where he could feature alongside Estevao, and he may also be lining up next to the Chelsea forward at Stamford Bridge next season if the Blues opt to intensify their pursuit of his signature over the coming weeks.
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