Chelsea transfer target Thiago Maia reconsiders stance on potential European move — report

Santos midfielder Thiago Maia has been a reported Chelsea transfer target this summer, but unlike his colleagues Gabriel Barbosa and Lucas Lima, he was set on staying at Santos until at least 2017 instead of making a move to Europe in the middle of the Brazilian season. But now, according to Globo Esporte, Thiago is reconsidering his stance in this regard.

His good showings with the Brazilian national team at the Rio Olympics have only attracted more attention from Chelsea, and working with players who have already made the switch from Brazil to Europe might have made Thiago change his mind on his initial decision. There's still also the option for him to arrange his transfer this summer, but only arrive at Chelsea in January.

Meanwhile, Thiago and his family haven't yet chosen a new agent to work with. Power-broker Giuliano Bertolucci, a familiar face around the Chelsea negotiating table, was close to adding the 19-year-old to his client ranks, but other representatives have since approached the player.

There are only two weeks left for Thiago and whoever becomes his representative to work out a potential deal with Chelsea. But if the player has truly changed his mind and is now more inclined to make the early switch to European football, there shouldn't be too many barriers for the Blues to acquire his services.