Your morning Chelsea transfer round-up on Tuesday, December 13.
Chelsea eye Real Madrid youngster
Chelsea seem to be taking the necessary steps towards finding a replacement for Thiago Silva in the summer. The 37-year-old defender is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season once his deal with the Blues expires.
Spanish outlet Sport has reported that the Blues and Paris Saint-Germain are ready to lock horns for the signing of Real Madrid Castilla defender Rafa Marin. The 20-year-old centre-back sees his deal with the Spanish giants' 'B team' expire in the summer making him available via a free transfer.
He has been called up to the Real Madrid first-team on a number of occasions. According to Diario AS, Marin is said to have impressed both Carlo Ancelotti and former boss Zinedine Zidane.
READ MORE: Graham Potter faces difficult decision with major Thomas Tuchel strength now a Chelsea problem
Rafael Leao update
AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni has issued an update on Rafael Leao's future amid interest from Chelsea. The 23-year-old forward was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, president Scaroni has given his insight on negotiations and admitted his confidence that Leao will pen an extension. It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese star's new deal will still include the aforementioned release clause.
"They tell me that in Milan he is very comfortable, that he is motivated," Scaroni said. "I know that Maldini is negotiating with him and as far as I just said: if he negotiates, I’m calm."
Zaha 'likely' to leave Palace
Chelsea have been handed a huge boost in their efforts to sign Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha. The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Selhurst Park for some time now as he continues to impress for the Eagles, with Arsenal once credited with interest.
In a column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano said: "Crystal Palace will try until the end to keep Wilfried Zaha, but yes, I’m told a free transfer is now a serious possibility and the most likely solution. He’d move for an important club, but I think before January nothing will be resolved.
"I’ve revealed before that Roma showed an interest in him last summer, but we’ll see about 2023. For sure, playing regularly will be a priority for him and his decision."
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