Chelsea confirm sixth Enzo Maresca transfer as another huge contract handed out

Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of FC Basel defensive midfielder Renato Veiga, who becomes the sixth new arrival this summer. It is thought that around £12m has been paid out for the 20- year-old , who pens a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge with the option for a further 12 months He will join up with Enzo Maresca’s pre-season squad imminently ahead of the summer trip to the USA.

Speaking to club media, Veiga said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be here. This is one of the biggest clubs in England – the biggest for me – and I’m just really excited to get started.”

Veiga’s arrival follows the captures of Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall , with Willian Estevao set to join the Blues next summer after he turns 18. Veiga has already sent a farewell message for Basel this week, all but confirming his Chelsea move.

Writing on Instagram, he said: “Dear FCB fans, time to say goodbye. “I feel the need to thank you for this past season, where you welcomed me and made me feel straight away one of your own. This past season, we didn’t achieve nowhere near the goals that a club of the dimensions of Basel demands. “But I’m sure that with the new crew on board and with your support behind, that you will bring Basel back to where it truly belongs. You gained one more supporter, cheering for your success. Thanks Basel.”

Veiga, who can also play in central defence and further up in midfield, only completed his £3.9m move to Basel from Sporting Lisbon last August. The Portugal under-21 international had previously been loaned out to German club Augsburg earlier in 2023.