Chelsea defender 'wanted by three London clubs'

On Monday, Silva confirmed that he would be bringing his four-year stay at Stamford Bridge to an end when his contract expires in June.

The 39-year-old will depart the Blues as a club legend, making a total of 151 appearances in all competitions and being part of a squad that won the club's second Champions League trophy in 2021.

If reports are to be believed, Fluminense - one of the veteran's former teams - are the clear favourites to secure a reunion with the centre-back.

As recently as last month, sporting director Fred acknowledged that attracting Silva back to the Maracana would represent a "dream" signing for the club.

London stay for Silva?

However, during an emotional video that was released by Chelsea, Silva expressed his love for London and desire to return to the club in a different capacity in the future.

That is partly a consequence of Silva's two sons each playing for Chelsea's academy side, something that will change if Silva moves back to his homeland.

Nevertheless, according to TNT Sports BR, Fluminense will face competition from a number of London-based clubs for Silva's signature.

The assumption was that an extended stay in England would be out of the question, yet it seems that Silva's latest comments have only encouraged teams already participating in the Premier League.

Are any London clubs realistically in the race for Silva?

Of the six clubs that are from London and feature in the top flight, you have to question whether any of them would move for Silva or whether he would be interested.

Arsenal appear unlikely given where he would find himself in the pecking order, the same applying with regards to Spurs with Silva plausibly only being third choice at best.

If West Ham United fail to qualify for Europe, the Hammers will become a less attractive option, as would be the case with Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford.

Turning 40 years in September, Silva may soon suit a back three over a back four. Of the aforementioned six clubs, Palace and Brentford regularly use that formation.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Silva will play another game for Chelsea courtesy of suffering a recurrence of a groin issue against Aston Villa last weekend.