Chelsea are closing in on securing a season-long loan for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Facundo Buonanotte, unexpectedly disrupting an anticipated move to Leeds United for the Argentinian.
The 20-year-old, who spent the previous campaign on loan at Leicester City, contributed six goals and three assists in 35 appearances last term before the Foxes' relegation. His performances also earned him two senior caps for Argentina.
Chelsea's intervention appears facilitated by key personnel familiar with Buonanotte from their time at Brighton, including co-sporting director Paul Winstanley and director of global recruitment Sam Jewell.
Simultaneously, another Brighton attacker, Julio Enciso, is close to a £13.8 million switch to Chelsea-affiliated club Strasbourg. The arrangement anticipates Enciso potentially joining Chelsea after a season in France.
These moves align with Chelsea's pursuit of additional firepower, with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho (£40m target) prioritized over Xavi Simons, who is expected to join Tottenham for £51.8m.
However, the Blues face significant financial constraints following a £26m Uefa fine in July for breaching spending rules. The club must maintain a positive transfer balance to register new signings for the Champions League, necessitating further player sales.
Chelsea have already raised a Premier League-record £265m this summer, highlighted by Noni Madueke's £52m transfer to Arsenal, Christopher Nkunku's sale to AC Milan, and Alfie Gilchrist's move to West Brom.
Departures remain likely before the September 1 deadline, with Nicolas Jackson attracting interest from Italian, German, and English clubs, while Tyrique George, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi are also potential exits.
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