Thiago Silva may reportedly request to cancel his Chelsea contract at the end of the season.
Despite his advancing years, Silva has proven to be one of the Blues' key signings in recent years, bringing much-needed know-how to the backline.
The veteran has made a total of 114 appearances in all competitions, helping Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League, and the Brazilian recently extended his contract until 2024.
However, that decision was taken when Chelsea had Graham Potter as head coach, the club present in the Champions League and still pushing to secure a top-seven position in the Premier League table.
None of those now apply, and Silva recently acknowledged that he had been left frustrated by 'mistakes' that had been made by the club's owners during their year in charge.
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According to Globo Esporte, the 38-year-old has been tempted into returning to his homeland for 2023-24.
The report claims that Marcelo, formerly of Real Madrid, linking up with Fluminense has led to Silva wanting to follow suit and make the switch back to his ex-club.
Silva made 80 appearances for Fluminense at the start of his career and his performances there earned him a transfer to AC Milan in 2009.
The alleged decision of Silva comes at a time when Chelsea are in a period of transition as they prepare for the expected arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.
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Pochettino will have to oversee major changes to his first-team squad, significantly reducing the playing numbers in order to take into account fewer fixtures and the club's financial position.
The Argentine has allegedly made a point of informing Todd Boehly and co that he wishes to include Levi Colwill, a Chelsea academy graduate currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, in his plans going forward.
With Chelsea needing to find a space for the the England Under-21 international and other defenders on long-term deals, the club's hierarchy may theoretically be willing to discuss Silva's future in order to reduce their wage bill.
Regardless of whether Silva departs West London in the summer or at the end of his deal in 2024, Chelsea will not expect to generate a fee for the Brazil international.
Darren Plant
