Chelsea hold 'strongest' interest in £30m-rated Ligue 1 star amid Manchester United and Spurs talk

Chelsea have been linked with a move for yet another defender, with Monaco right-back Vanderson now believed to be on their ever active transfer radar. This time, however, they are set to face a battle for his signature with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive stint in Ligue 1, prompting speculation that a summer move could have been on the cards. He did, however, continue to remain with the club but Monaco are still in a position of needing to raise funds, according to the latest reports from CaughtOffside.

The Blues, who acquired 11 new players in the recent transfer window, have suffered from issues in the right-back with position with club captain Reece James struggling to stay fit for prolonged periods of time. French youngster Malo Gusto has performed well in the position but it would appear Enzo Maresca’s side are ready to endure a transfer battle with their ‘Big Six’ rivals as they seek to further strengthen the position.

Monaco are reportedly wanting around €35-40m (£30m) for the Brazilian star and, despite the apparent recent interest from Manchester United and Spurs, it is said that Chelsea are the English side currently understood to be the most invested. The Blues have already brought in four new defensive stars this summer and while the Red Devils snapped up Noussair Mazraoui, it’s clear they are already looking at further options with a better specialist wanted on the right-hand side.

The versatile right-back moved to Monaco from Gremio in 2022 for a reported fee of €11m (£9m) and has spent two seasons with the French club. He has gone on to make over 70 appearances with the side and has two international caps for Brazil’s senior side to his name. He is currently contracted with the Ligue 1 club until 2027, but it would seem an exit from the Louis II Stadium could come much sooner.