Chelsea Prepare SHOCK Move for Fulham Star

According to Globo Esporte, who Football Park rate as a tier two source, Chelsea are preparing a move for Fulham’s Andreas Pereira.

🚨 🔵 Chelsea have identified Andreas Pereira as their ideal replacement for Conor Gallagher and would be willing to pay £30-35m. They have confirmed their interest to his agent Kia Joorabchian and want to know the conditions. (@geglobo) #CFC pic.twitter.com/0gLnut7Eyu

— Pys (@CFCPys) July 18, 2024

Who is Andreas Pereira?

Andreas Pereira is a 28-year-old midfielder, who currently plys his trade for Fulham. Born in Belgium, he started his youth career there, but was scooped up by Manchester United after a personal visit from Sir Alex Ferguson.

He ended up spending 11 years in Manchester between the youth and first team, and was sent out on numerous loans including stints at Valencia and Flamengo.

The Brazilian signed for Fulham in 2022, for a fee of €9.5 million, and has been a vital part of their first team as they re-establish themselves in the Premier League. His set piece mastery sees him often high up in creativity and assist rankings in all competitions.

JOÃO PALHINHA DREW LEVEL WITH A MAGNIFICENT HEADER!!!
ANDREAS PEREIRA WITH A GREAT CORNER-KICK DELIVERY FOR THE ASSIST!!!pic.twitter.com/IcEqSALqcK

— Football Report (@FootballReprt) March 31, 2024

Pereira made his Brazil debut in 2018, and has recently made his way back into the national team this year. He scored his first Brazil goal in a friendly against Mexico back in June.

GOL DO ANDREAS PEREIRA!

SAVINHO ASSIST! pic.twitter.com/vQLb1XVCU4

— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) June 9, 2024

How Much Would Andreas Pereira Cost?

Pereira has two years remaining on his Fulham contract, and given how important he has been to Marco Silva’s side, his price would likely reflect that. Chelsea would be willing to part with between £30-35 million for the midfielder.

It’s currently unknown whether that offer would appease Fulham, but it may take a substantial fee to appease Fulham given they’ve lost Willian, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Joao Palhinha this summer.

Manchester United also hold a 20% sell-on clause for Pereira, so Fulham’s price might be inflated in order to compensate for the profit lost to his former club.

🚨 | Chelsea are interested in signing Andreas Pereira, and are willing to pay £35m. [@geglobo]

ℹ️ #mufc have a 20% sell on clause for Andreas Pereira. pic.twitter.com/C0q89s18Rp

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 19, 2024

However, with Fulham attempting to sign Emile Smith-Rowe at a similar price range, Fulham may be tempted to cash in on the Brazilian to sign younger players.

Why Would Chelsea Sign Andreas Pereira?

It’s reported that Chelsea see Pereira as an ideal replacement for Conor Gallagher should he depart. With Gallagher linked heavily to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, his departure is likely and Chelsea may pursue a move for Pereira.

🚨 #Tottenham are likely to make a move for Conor Gallagher this summer. Chelsea value the midfielder in the region of £40-50m. @TheAthleticFC 🥇 pic.twitter.com/1Jsg4TuUDZ

— Spurs Connect (@Spurs_Connect) July 16, 2024

What seems strange, is that Pereira has played a much more advanced role than Gallagher over the past few seasons, much closer to the striker than as a ball-winning midfielder. That being said, Pereira and Gallagher both share a common attribute in their unrelenting ability to press opponents.

Perhaps Pereira could link back up with former teammate, Tosin Adaribioyo, but I’m unsure how well he’d fill the role that Chelsea have planned for him.