Chelsea's scouting department continue to monitor Santos midfielder Gabriel Bontempo, according to Brazilian outlet Bolavip, even as the player's rising stock makes his club more reluctant to sell.
Bontempo has become an undisputed starter under head coach Cuca, contributing five goals and four assists in 44 appearances this season, and has now been rewarded with his first call-up to Brazil's senior squad under Carlo Ancelotti, for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.
Chelsea's interest predates that breakthrough. The club's ownership group BlueCo added Bontempo to its list of emerging South American targets in July, and Santos had been prepared to open talks at around €12 million, largely because of the Brazilian club's financial situation.
Bayern Munich were also credited with interest at that stage, reportedly offering €32 million against Santos's demand of €49 million. Chelsea have made no formal proposal to date, but with Bontempo now a full international, Santos are said to prefer waiting for an offer they consider genuinely attractive rather than accepting a cut-price deal.
Signing Bontempo would continue a pattern for Chelsea, who have already brought in fellow young South Americans Kendry Páez and Estêvão in recent windows.
Romeo Lavia's fitness concerns and Jordan Henderson's advancing years have added to the appeal of bringing in a versatile young midfielder capable of playing in a deeper role.