Brentford slap £80m price on Igor Thiago as Chelsea circle for Premier League’s breakout Brazilian marksman

Brentford have informed Chelsea that they want an £80M fee for Igor Thiago this summer.

Chelsea are among the clubs to have expressed interest in signing the 24-year-old, following his exceptional performances for Brentford.

Thiago has scored 25 goals in all competitions for the Bees, including 22 in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland has outscored the Brazilian, whose performances earned him a senior international debut in March. He played in both fixtures for the South Americans and scored his first Brazil goal with a penalty against Croatia.

ESPN Brasil are reporting that Brentford will demand a record fee for the forward. The West Londoners value Thiago at £80m, a fee that surpasses the £71m received from Bryan Mbeumo’s sale to Manchester United last summer.

Brentford are willing to stand firm on that price, with Thiago contracted to the club until 2031 after signing an improved deal in February.

After signing a new deal, Thiago thanked Brentford for their support after an ACL injury derailed his debut campaign. He played only 198 minutes of Premier League football last season, after signing from Club Brugge, but has bounced back to emerge as one of the division’s top goalscorers.

“I love the club and the people in the club,” said the striker to the club’s official website.

“It’s a true love, a real love. In the beginning, when I first came, I had the injury. The staff and the people around the training ground were helping me and supporting me.

“When the fans support me, and I see them singing my name and singing my song, it gives me more power. I’m really happy for all of the love they have given to me. It means so much. With Keith (Andrews), it’s more of a relationship as a father and a son. I’m really happy with him as he trusts and believes in me.”

“I’m enjoying every single day and every single training session so much. It’s been a good journey and I’m happy to be here.”