Report: Euro giants join race, open discussions for £20m-rated Chelsea star | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille have entered the race to sign Chelsea defender Renato Veiga, according to French outlet L’Équipe.

The Ligue 1 club is keen on bringing the promising Portuguese defender to the South of France. They have reportedly opened discussions to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy.

Veiga joined Chelsea from FC Basel on a seven-year contract but has struggled for consistent game time under head coach Enzo Maresca. The versatile defender has primarily featured in the EFL Cup, FA Cup, and Europa Conference League, where he has played every minute.

However, his Premier League involvement has been limited, with just one start across seven appearances.

Despite his limited role in London, he has impressed. Marseille reportedly admire his profile, but they face stiff competition for his signature.

Veiga has interest from Germany, where Borussia Dortmund are pushing hard for his signature.

Dortmund have already submitted an opening loan bid to acquire Veiga for the next six months. They are waiting for a response from the Blues.

The answer from Chelsea will surely be a resounding “no” despite asking suitors for £20 million. Besides the fact that they don’t have another player to cover for Cucurella at left-back, Levi Colwill picked up a knock in the 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth, joining Benoit Badiashile on the treatment table.

Chelsea need Veiga more than ever and perhaps in his natural centre-back role which he has been clamouring to play. This transfer brouhaha has stemmed from his insistence on playing in central defence and this might be his opportunity to stake his claim.

Chelsea might even need to recall one or two more players out on loan to reinforce the ranks as injuries threaten to derail a seemingly positive 2024/25 season. The Blues also need to get active in the market to add another defender and potentially a striker.