Chelsea have reportedly made contact with the agent of 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy Reiner Jesus, although Real Madrid and Inter Milan are also said to be interested.
Twitter: Non solo gli occhi dell’#Inter sul craque brasiliano #Reinier (2002): il gioiello del #Flamengo piace tanto per l’e… https://t.co/LnDzsuKSpS (@NicoSchira)
According to a tweet by respected Italian journalist Nicolò Schira, The Blues have already contacted agents Giuliano Bertolucci and Kia Joorabchian about the availability of Flamengo prospect Jesus. Able to operate as both an attacking midfielder and a second striker, the youngster has already racked up four goals and two assists in just ten appearances this season.
Flamengo currently leads the way in the Brazilian top flight and are on course to win their first title in more than a decade. With just six games remaining Jesus will continue to play an important role but is then likely to be offered out to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in January.
Jesus is averaging a goal involvement every other game for the Brazilian U-17s and his worth in a market as inflated as today’s is widely known, with Flamengo almost certainly looking to secure more than double his £13.5 million market value.
Read Chelsea’s Verdict
Chelsea aren’t particularly well-stocked in attacking midfield, with Frank Lampard admitting last month that he was forced by a lack of cover to deploy Jorginho against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Jesus’s extortionate asking price will guarantee the youngster minutes but may halt the progress of Connor Gallagher who has impressed in behind the striker on loan at Charlton Athletic.
It is, therefore, a question of whether Lampard is willing to abandon the academy gateway in exchange for bringing in one of Brazil’s brightest young talents.
