Jorge Mendes triggers transfer domino: Chelsea eye €40m swoop for Juventus star
Chelsea are targeting a €40m move for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao as agent Jorge Mendes negotiates Pedro Neto's switch to Al-Hilal.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Ank kumar
Chelsea have emerged as a surprise suitor for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, with the London club reportedly preparing a €40 million move for the Portuguese international.
The move is part of a wider transfer saga orchestrated by super-agent Jorge Mendes. Mendes is currently finalizing the transfer of Pedro Neto from Chelsea to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. With Chelsea's resistance to the Saudi bid crumbling, the Premier League side has been forced to identify urgent attacking reinforcements, turning their attention to Conceicao after a failed attempt to land Rafael Leao.
Conceicao prefers to stay in Turin, viewing Juventus as the ideal environment to continue his professional growth. Francisco Conceicao
Despite the player's personal preference to remain with the Bianconeri, Juventus' board faces significant pressure to balance their books before the summer window closes. With few other concrete offers for their listed players, a €40 million bid from Mendes would force the Italian club to reconsider their stance, potentially disrupting manager Luciano Spalletti's tactical plans.
In the short term, Conceicao remains focused on the pitch. He is expected to start for Juventus in their Serie A opener against Frosinone. Behind the scenes, however, talks are accelerating; Chelsea's pursuit is expected to formalize as soon as the Neto deal is officially completed.