CHELSEA are closing in on a shock transfer to land yet another Brighton star – 24 hours after he had a flight booked to go to Leeds.
The Blues have raided the Amex in recent years, splashing out £275million to nab 14 players and staff members.
Facundo Buonanotte looks set to join Chelsea on loanGetty
And now they want No15 – in the shape of Facundo Buonanotte.
Chelsea are leading the race to take the Argentine playmaker on loan for the season.
Borussia Dortmund also want Buonanotte, who is being tracked by a number of clubs.
SunSport understands Brighton would prefer their youngster to go out on loan and not leave the south coast permanently.
They also hope he can stay in the Premier League.
Leeds thought they were close to wrapping up a deal with a flight to Yorkshire and a medical booked for Thursday.
However, the move collapsed – allowing Chelsea to pounce after missing out on Xavi Simons who is on the verge of signing for Tottenham.
Fabrizio Romano adds an initial loan deal has been agreed and the player has accepted the proposal.
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Buonanotte spent last season on loan at Leicester and was a rare bright spark for the Foxes during their relegation campaign.
He racked up five goals and two assists but could not prevent the King Power club returning to the Championship.
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The two-cap senior international is yet to feature for Fabian Hurzeler this season.
Buonanotte – who scored for Brighton at Stamford Bridge in 2023 – could provide cover for Cole Palmer.
Enzo Maresca’s talisman is struggling with the groin injury he picked up before the win over West Ham.
And the addition of Buonanotte to strengthen in that attacking role would mean Palmer’s return is less rushed.
It would also mean more business done between Chelsea and Brighton.
Todd Boehly’s regime in 2022 started with youngsters Zak Sturge and Shumaira Mheuka.
Staff members including Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Paul Winstanley swapped the Amex for Stamford Bridge.
But there have also been some seriously mammoth transfers with Marc Cucurella (£62m), Moises Caicedo (£115m), Robert Sanchez (£25m) and now Joao Pedro (£60m) all making big-money moves.
ReutersHe scored for Brighton at Stamford Bridge in December 2023[/caption]
AlamyMoises Caicedo and Joao Pedro both made big-money moves from the Amex to Stamford Bridge[/caption]
Chelsea’s transfer deals
IN
Joao Pedro – from Brighton – £60m
Jamie Gittens – from Dortmund – £52m
Jorell Hato – from Ajax – £37m
Liam Delap – from Ipswich – £30m
Estevao – from Palmeiras – £54m
Dario Essugo – from Sporting Lisbon – £18.5m
Kendry Paez – from Independiente – £17.25m
Mamadou Sarr – from Strasbourg – £12m
TOTAL – £280.75m
OUT
Noni Madueke – to Arsenal – £52m
Joao Felix – to Al-Nassr – £43.7m
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – to Everton – £30m
Renato Veiga – to Villarreal – £26m
Djordje Petrovic – to Bournemouth – £25m
Lesley Ugochukwu – to Burnley – £23m
Carney Chukwuemeka – to Dortmund £24m
Armando Broja – to Burnley – £15m
Bashir Humphreys – to Burnley – £10m
Mathis Amougou – to Strasbourg – £12.5m
Kepa Arrizabalaga – to Arsenal – £5m
Marcus Bettinelli – to Man City – £2m
TOTAL – £268.2m
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