Chelsea linked with surprise move for Manchester City star: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City defender Ruben Dias to strengthen their youthful defence in the near future.

Dias, who finished 23rd in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. He has helped Manchester City lift four straight league titles and win a treble in the 2022-23 term.

However, according to TEAMtalk, Dias could be on his way out as Manchester City are keen to rejuvenate their squad next summer. The Portuguese centre-back has drawn interest from a host of clubs of late.

Chelsea, who have been on a spending spree since 2022, are keeping tabs on the right-footed defender's situation. They view the 27-year-old as a potential leader in their dressing room, which is filled with a number of young players, and could rope in the player in 2025.

Should Dias depart Manchester City to move to Chelsea in the future, he would fill the void left by Thiago Silva's departure. He would emerge as a starter and mentor the likes of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana.

Since departing Benfica for £65 million in 2020, Dias has netted four goals and laid out five assists in 191 overall appearances for his club.

Chelsea great hails ex-Manchester City star

Speaking to Mirror, Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola lavished praise on Cole Palmer for his fine performance in the Blues' recent 2-1 league win over Newcastle United. He said:

"The pass he made to Neto for the first goal... it was a brilliant pass. I see a lot of things like this that I used to work on in his game. Being able to see the pass before you receive the ball. That is one skill he is developing a lot."

Zola, who played for the Blues from 1996 to 2003, concluded:

"I saw this skill a lot yesterday and I am impressed because the majority of players, they want to be able to do something when they have received the ball. But actually, if you know what you are going to do with the ball before you receive it, it is like you are putting yourself ahead of the opposition. I was really impressed with him."

Palmer, 22, has found the back of the opposition net seven times and provided five assists in 11 overall matches for the Blues this campaign.

The Manchester City youth product is likely to feature in his club's EFL Cup last-16 clash at Newcastle United on Wednesday (October 30).