Chelsea transfer news: Juventus, Napoli to battle for 21-year-old squad member?

During the summer transfer window, Veiga was a surprise addition from Swiss side Basel with new head coach Enzo Maresca earmarking the prospect as a versatile option for his squad.

The 21-year-old has since gone on to make 11 starts and six substitute outings in all competitions, all but one of the starts coming in the EFL Cup or Conference League.

However, Veiga has not been used since the December 19 fixture against Shamrock Rovers and was recently left out of the squad for the Boxing Day clash with Fulham along with Noni Madueke when both players were fit.

Serie A clubs ready to pounce?

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus and Napoli have recently taken an interest in a potentially developing situation.

Both clubs are looking at ways to bolster their challenge for the Serie A title, particularly Napoli who are only second in the table on goal difference.

However, Antonio Conte's side already possess the best defensive record in the division and have no European football on their calendar, making it debatable whether Veiga would earn regular football.

There would theoretically be more chance at a Juventus side that have struggled for wins and with injuries in recent months, while they will hope for a prolonged schedule in the Champions League.

Either bid - if one is made - would almost certainly be a loan proposal. Veiga cost €14m (£11.62m) in the summer and neither club are expected to commit to paying an increased fee for a player who has since become a full international with Portugal.

What will Chelsea's stance be?

With Veiga established as second-choice left-back behind Marc Cucurella, Maresca is unlikely to have given any consideration to parting ways with Veiga regardless of the recent injury situation.

Maresca revealed on Friday that Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, and Chelsea are down to three fit centre-backs with Benoit Badiashile also sidelined.

As a result of recalled Aaron Anselmino not being considered for selection for the time being, Veiga essentially becomes fourth choice in the middle of defence.

Furthermore, injuries to Romeo Lavia and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall make him an option in midfield, a position where he was deployed against Bournemouth earlier in the campaign.

Written by

Darren Plant