Chelsea and Crystal Palace make official offers to sign Brazilian star: Reports

Premier League sides Chelsea and Crystal Palace have reportedly made official offers for Flamengo teenage star Matheus Franca.

Franca, who was born and raised in the Sao Goncalo area of Rio de Janeiro, joined Flamengo at the age of 13.

After coming through the youth ranks, Franca rose to fame when he captained his side to the prestigious Brasileiro and Copa do Brasil Under-17 titles in 2021.

The 19-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Brazilian club in January 2022 which a €100 million release clause, the biggest in Flamengo's history. He then extended that by a further 12 months earlier this year.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano first revealed Cheslea's interest in Franca, stating that the Blues were offering around €20 million for the player's signature, while the Brazilian club was looking for €25 million.

Romano said that the west London club were following Franca's development for a long time and were hoping to steal a march on their rival by signing him this summer.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that the teenager was also a target for Crystal Palace and Newcastle United. In light of this, Globo have now reported that both Chelsea and Crystal Palace have made official bids for Franca.

Their report states:

Franca scored six goals in 2022 and has three goals in 29 appearances this year.

Globo have also reported that Chelsea and Crystal Palace's immediate plans for Matheus Franca are vastly different.

If the Blues manages to snap the 19-year-old, they will be looking to loan him to Ligue 1's Strasbourg FC, the French club that was recently acquired by the club's co-owners.

If Palace were to sign Franca this summer, they will be looking to keep him at the club and integrate him into the squad with an eye on