Thiago Silva completes Chelsea medical as Paris St-Germain confirm exit

Silva would become the sixth Chelsea signing of the summer after Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Xavier Mbuyamba, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr

Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the 35-year-old’s exit on Thursday – despite last-ditch efforts by the Champions League runners-up to offer him a new deal. After having his medical in Milan, the centre-back is expected to fly from Italy to London on Friday to begin a 14-day period of self-isolation before joining up with Frank Lampard’s squad.

Although joining on a 12-month contract, it is believed the Brazil international could stay at Stamford Bridge for a further season.

Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “Thiago (Silva), thank you for eight years of unforgettable memories, leadership and commitment.

“You are one of the greats and your legendary status at PSG will live forever.

“My very best wishes to you and your family for your new adventures, you will always be part of our family and our history, Merci Captain.”

Silva said his goodbyes to PSG fans in a social media post on Wednesday evening ahead of his proposed move to the Premier League.

“Today a cycle ends, after eight years with the PSG team I would like to thank my teammates, the whole technical team and management, the fans, my family, God and friends, for all these happy moments we experienced in the city of light,” he said.

Former Chelsea captain John Terry appeared to welcome the proposed move in a reply to the post.

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel remained a huge advocate of Silva – and continued this week to try to keep the former AC Milan defender in Ligue 1 for a ninth season.

However Silva’s fellow Brazilian, PSG’s sporting director Leonardo, did not share Tuchel’s plan and wanted Silva to leave.

One source in Brazil told Sky Sports News relations between Silva and Leonardo had deteriorated, prompting Silva to want a fresh challenge at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Chelsea have been keen to strengthen having been banned from signing players last summer.

The London club completed the signing of left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester for £50m on Wednesday, with the England international arriving at Stamford Bridge on a five-year-deal.

The Blues also remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen to sign their forward Kai Havertz before the start of the new season.

Silva won seven Ligue 1 titles during his time in France, but leaves the club having failed to achieve the European success desired most in Paris.

Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol:

“Anyone who watched the Champions League final, Thiago Silva, even though he’s 35, he’s still an exceptional centre-back. He’s got leadership qualities, he’s got so much experience, and what Chelsea have really been missing at the back is that kind of experience.

“They’ve got quite a few young centre-backs, and I don’t think Frank Lampard has been totally convinced by any of them. That’s why he’s wanted someone with experience and Thiago Silva is available.

“He wants to move to London, he wants to play in the Premier League, and he wants to carry on playing because he still thinks he can play for Brazil in the next World Cup.

“If you look at Chelsea’s defensive record, no one conceded more goals than Chelsea in the top half of the Premier League last season. They conceded 54 goals and with Thiago Silva in the side, he can address that problem.

“In the past, we have seen Chelsea have experienced centre-backs. I am thinking of players like Marcel Desailly, for instance, and the impact they have had at Stamford Bridge.

“I do not need to speak Thiago Silva up, everybody knows how good he is. The only question mark I would think about him going forward is can he maintain that level? He’s going to be 36 next month but watching him in the Champions League final it looks like a great signing for Chelsea.”