Report: Chelsea in advanced talks to sign Thiago Silva

Chelsea are hoping to reinforce their defense with the addition of Thiago Silva on a free transfer.

The Blues are in advanced talks with the Paris Saint-Germain captain about a move to Stamford Bridge, though there are still some hurdles to clear before an agreement can be reached, according to David Ornstein and Liam Twomey of The Athletic.

One of several issues holding up the deal is the contract length for the central defender, who turns 36 next month. Chelsea have employed a policy of offering only one-year deals to players over 30, but they made an exception last year by signing David Luiz to a two-year contract when he was 32.

Silva is set to end his trophy-laden career at PSG after the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on Sunday. The club reportedly decided not to renew his contract despite Silva's desire to prove he can still perform at a high level.

Silva's arrival wouldn't, however, address long-term defensive solutions for a Chelsea side that allowed 54 goals last season, the most among all teams in the top half of the table.

There's also uncertainty in goal, as Kepa Arrizabalaga - the most expensive goalkeeper in the world - was dropped toward the end of the season after several uninspiring performances.

Chelsea are also reportedly working toward signing Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz, who would be the latest attacking star to join the west London club after the arrival of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.