Manchester City open to selling superstar; Chelsea set sights on signing him: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Manchester City defender Ruben Dias amid the reigning Premier League champions' contemplation of a sale. The Portuguese centre-back has been at the Etihad since September 2020.

TEAMtalk reports that Enzo Maresca's Blues are one of several clubs keeping tabs on Dias' situation. City might be forced into a situation where they have to make high-profile sales. The investigation of 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules could lead to serious financial consequences.

Dias, 27, is attracting interest from the English top flight and around Europe. He's been a stalwart at the back for Pep Guardiola, helping the Cityzens win four Premier League titles.

Maresca's Chelsea are showing interest, and their verdict of Dias is that his experience could hugely benefit the young crop at Stamford Bridge. He's made 13 appearances across competitions this season, helping his side keep five clean sheets.

Manchester City has many options in defense, including John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol. Dias, though, has become a leader at the Etihad and a departure could be costly for many reasons.

Dias joined Guardiola's Sky Blues from Benfica in 2020 for £65 million. He won the PFA Player of the Year award a year into his spell at the Etihad.

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Manchester City's Ruben Dias could become Chelsea's Thiago Silva with Stamford Bridge move

Thiago Silva left Stamford Bridge in the summer (Image - Getty)

Chelsea's rebuild at the start of the Todd Boehly era has resulted in a youthful squad brimming with talent and huge potential. There have been many hits and misses in the transfer market, and there are question marks over the defense assembled.

The west Londoners are without Thiago Silva, 40, after the iconic Brazilian centre-back left in the summer. He was a leader at Stamford Bridge and a role model to whom the younger generation turned.

Dias might not be at that age, nor has he reached Silva's legendary status. Yet, he possesses years of experience winning titles, captaining the champions, and working with Guardiola.

This could help Chelsea's young group, as Dias would know how to help them improve and reach their potential. He's one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League, having made 191 appearances for Manchester City.

Guardiola is aware of the qualities Dias possesses, not just from a footballing perspective. The Spaniard hailed his Portuguese defender in March 2023 (via club media):

"Since day one they have been there. He is always positive. Every time he forgets about a mistake he has done and thinks about the next action. He is always there for the next one. His mentality is top. That’s why he can play central defender in a top, top club like Manchester City."

Dias has won 10 major trophies with City and finished 23rd in this year's Ballon d'Or ranking. He could be a game-changing signing if Chelsea were to pull it off.