ARSENAL have been handed a boost in the chase for centre-back Thiago Silva.
The Brazilian will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after eight trophy-laden years in the French capital.
Thiago Silva has stated he wants his next club to be in Europe
In an interview with Brazilian magazine Caras, Silva ruled out a move to former club Fluminense and revealed that he would like to stay in Europe.
He said: “Everyone knows the affection I have for Fluminense.
“But I still have goals to reach in Europe.”
PSG sporting director Leonardo announced this week that Silva and team-mate Edinson Cavani would depart the Parc des Princes once the club’s Champions League campaign comes to an end.
“It was a difficult decision to make – they are players who made their mark on the club’s history,” said Leonardo.
“The stories were so beautiful. But yes, we are coming to the end.”
France’s domestic season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic but the Parisiens will still contest the Champions League last eight when the tournament returns in August.
Silva, 35, has been linked to Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, Wolves and Newcastle, as well as former club AC Milan, since the news of his PSG departure.
Arsenal could look to Silva to replace outgoing centre-back David Luiz, whose current deal expires in June with no extension talks planned.
While a move to Everton would see the Samba stalwart reunite with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti – who signed Silva for PSG in 2012.
In addition to Rio de Janeiro-based Fluminense and other Brazilian clubs, Silva’s comments would appear to rule out potential clubs in the MLS, China, Japan or Qatar.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
