Chelsea could try to sign one of Ruben Amorim’s former players but face competition from one of their rivals.
Enzo Maresca has quality options in midfield, including Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea also have Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu, who are currently out on loan.
It means the Blues are pretty much set for the present and the future in that area of the pitch. However, they are now being linked with a move for Dario Essugo.
Dario Essugo (UD Las Palmas) seen in action during the LaLiga EA SPORTS game between teams of Rayo Vallecano and UD Las Palmas at Estadio de Vallec...
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Chelsea interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Dario Essugo
According to The Sun, despite their array of midfield options, Chelsea want to sign Essugo from Sporting Lisbon.
The same outlet, though, claims that Leeds United are also keen on the 19-year-old.
Essugo is currently on loan at La Liga outfit Las Palmas, where he has made 11 appearances this season. At Sporting during the 2023/24 campaign, he made 10 appearances in all competitions before joining Chaves on loan.
While Essugo could be arriving at Stamford Bridge soon, one player who could be set to depart is Christopher Nkunku. It has been claimed that Nkunku is ready to leave Chelsea next month after a lack of game time.
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What has Ruben Amorim said about Dario Essugo?
If Essugo does end up moving to England, one person who will already be familiar with the young Portuguese is Amorim.
The Manchester United manager coached Essugo when he was at Sporting and thought very highly of him.
Speaking in a press conference after Essugo made his Sporting debut, which was relayed by MAGG, Amorim said: “[Dario] is a very talented kid. [And this] is a message for the youngsters. Age doesn’t matter. Sporting is on this path. Those kids who have doubts between clubs know that the door is open to them here. That makes a difference.
“Congratulations to Dario, who deserved it. He was called to training, performed his duties and showed great quality in the two weeks he worked with us.”
It could take some time for Essugo to break into the Chelsea first team with all of the options that Maresca has. Therefore, a move to Leeds may make more sense for him.
Saying no to a club like Chelsea, though, is not going to be easy if the Blues do come knocking in January or at the end of the season.