Young Santos midfielder would prefer PSG over Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Chelsea

Last we heard from Thiago Maia, he was busy winning gold at the Rio Olympics and pondering a potential move across the Pond.  While nothing happened at the time, it was commonly agreed that it was only a matter of time before the highly rated Santos youngster would make his big European move.

In the summer, the likes of Chelsea, Leicester City, and PSG were linked by name to the 19-year-old, but it would appear that if push came to shove, Maia would prefer the latter.  Sign of the times.

"A lot of players say they want to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona but I identify myself with PSG."

"Contact? Not yet but I hope it happens one day.  As I said, I identify myself with PSG and I have friends there. Marquinhos has told me what the club is like. It is clear he is happy there."

"If I go there one day, I will be very happy. I am leaving my future in the hands of my mother and my manager though."

-Thiago Maia; source: ESPN Brasil via ESPN

So there's a come-and-get-me plea if I ever heard one.

Chelsea had their work cut out for them already with respect to acquiring the highly rated midfield prospect, and this certainly isn't helping.  Fortunately, it's not like Chelsea are lacking for young talent in central midfield, with the likes of Nathaniel Chalobah and Lewis Baker ready to burst onto the scene.