Brentford striker Igor Thiago continues to enjoy an excellent season in England, and is now attracting Chelsea interest.
He is leading the line effectively for Keith Andrew’s side. As a result, he is increasingly attracting attention around the Premier League.
The Brazilian forward has established himself as one of Brentford’s main attacking threats this season. He has already scored 17 goals in the Premier League and more than 20 in all competitions. Therefore, he has become a key figure in the club’s attacking structure.
His impact goes beyond the raw numbers, something Chelsea will have noticed.
According to FootyStats data, Igor Thiago averages just over three shots per match in the Premier League and more than one shot on target per game. He also records around four touches in the opposition penalty area per match. This shows how regularly he positions himself in dangerous areas.
The striker’s form has surprised many observers in Brazil, who claim they have found their World Cup number nine.
Before his move to England, he was not widely followed by large parts of the Brazilian public. However, his performances at Brentford have quickly changed that perception.
Chelsea make initial enquiry for Igor Thiago
His rise has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in England.
Reports in Brazil have previously linked Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle with the striker. These clubs are monitoring his development in the Premier League. But now, his stocks have risen. Igor Thiago is pushing his way into Brazil’s international conversation. He was just named on Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.
Those matches are expected to form part of one of the final evaluation windows before the World Cup squad picture begins to take clearer shape. For players outside Brazil’s established attacking group, the next call-ups could prove decisive.
With all that on the table, Chelsea are now the latest club linked with the Brentford striker.
According to ESPN Brazil, the Blues have already made initial enquiries about Igor Thiago.
Chelsea assess centre-forward options for next season
The London club are assessing their centre-forward options ahead of next season.
Nicolas Jackson has recently been linked with Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Liam Delap has struggled to adapt since arriving at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea also do not currently see Joao Pedro as a natural number nine. Instead, the youngster is viewed more as a second striker or supporting forward rather than a player to lead the line.
Because of that, the club are studying the market for a more traditional centre-forward profile. Igor Thiago is seen as fitting that description well. His physical presence and ability to finish chances make him an attractive option for Chelsea as they look to strengthen their attack.
Brentford set £60m minimum asking price
Brentford would be expected to demand a significant fee if interest develops further.
According to the fresh Brazilian report, the club would only consider selling for more than £60 million. That valuation reflects the striker’s importance to Brentford and the rapid rise in his reputation since arriving in the Premier League.
For Chelsea, the situation remains at an exploratory stage. However, Igor Thiago’s continued form means his name is likely to appear more frequently in transfer discussions over the coming months.
We will see if Chelsea do meet Brentford’s asking price though…