Chelsea plot raid for the world’s second most expensive defender who cost €42m

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a summer raid for Brazil international defender Thiago Silva, according to Tutto Mercato.

The defending Premier League champions, who visit current league leaders Arsenal on Sunday, are interested in signing the Paris Saint-Germain centre-half at the end of this campaign.

The 31-year-old, who has 59 international caps for his country, has scored one goal in 27 appearances in all competitions for the defending Ligue 1 champions this season.

Silva; who became the world’s most expensive defender after costing PSG a staggering €42m back in the summer of 2012 from AC Milan, is wanted by interim boss Guus Hiddink to strengthen the Blues’ defensive ranks following their humiliating title defence this term, despite his own future at Stamford Bridge being unclear.

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz has since become the world’s most expensive defender following his £50m move to the French capital back in June 2014.