Not even a week on from their Europa Conference League triumph against Real Betis, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will already be looking ahead to the Club World Cup.
The Blues are one of two English sides – alongside Manchester City – competing in the tournament, which has been expanded to 32 teams and will take place in the United States later this month.
While Chelsea aren’t favourites to lift the trophy, the West London outfit have finished the season in impressive form, culminating in qualification for the Champions League and a triumph in the Conference League.
MLS side LAFC await them in the first group stage match, in Atlanta on June 16.
In the meantime, it has emerged that the London side are chasing a Premier League full-back.
As reported by CaughtOffside, both Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are monitoring Brighton and Hove Albion left-back Pervis Estupinan.
Estupinan could be at the centre of a bidding war this summer (Photo: Telephoto Images/Alamy)
The report claims that the Seagulls value the Ecuadorian at around £35 million, with several clubs showing interest in the defender.
Estupinan, 27, joined Brighton from Spanish outfit Villarreal in 2022 and has since played more than 100 times for the south coast side across all competitions.
It is claimed that both Chelsea and Spurs are particularly keen on the Ecuador international, chiefly due to the player’s Premier League experience.
Estupinan has played 84 times in the English top flight during his time at The Amex, and the report suggests that both the Blues and Spurs consider that to be an important factor as they look to bolster their respective squads.
The left-back is under contract with Brighton until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, but it appears that he could depart the club this summer if a suitable offer is tabled.