Chelsea have been frequent customers at Brighton over the past few years, however it has now been exclusively revealed to The Chelsea Chronicle that they remain admirers of one current player.
The Blues smashed their club-record fee to sign Moises Caicedo from the Amex two years ago, and after a tough start he has now eliminated any talk surrounding his price tag.
Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez were also signed from Brighton, while Todd Boehly put faith in Graham Potter as his long-term manager after admiring his work on the South Coast. He was sacked before the end of the season.
The latest addition has been Joao Pedro, who despite costing £60m is being lauded as a very positive signing. Ally McCoist believes Pedro is a bargain for the Blues.
Todd Boehly and Paul Winstanley ahead of Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Chelsea chiefs are big fans of Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear that he is keen for a new centre-back to join the club this summer following an injury to former Seagulls loanee Levi Colwill.
Graeme Bailey has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that chiefs at the club are big fans of defender Jan Paul van Hecke, although acknowledge that he isn’t going to be available easily for a summer transfer.
A detailed view of the Brighton badge during Tottenham Hotspur FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League
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He said: “I think obviously the next two weeks if someone becomes available who they really like and isn’t there, we know say someone like a Van Hecke, who Chelsea’s hierarchy really like, but he isn’t going to be available. Getting these players out now, trying to get players with two weeks left of the window, That’s the issue here.”
It was reported earlier this summer that Van Hecke had rejected a new contract with his current club, and was weighing up pursuing a move to a bigger club.
Jan Paul van Hecke in action during Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham - Premier League
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Van Hecke excels in similar areas to Colwill
The biggest reason Maresca is missing Colwill right now is due to not having anyone in his squad with the passing capabilities of the young Englishman.
This is an area where Van Hecke competes with Colwill, something which likely makes him attractive to the decision makers at Stamford Bridge.
Levi Colwill vs Jan Paul Van Hecke Levi Colwill Jan Paul van Hecke
Passing Accuracy (%) 89.7 88.5
Accurate Long Balls 87 137
Successful Passes 2328 2004
Maresca will be hoping Tosin Adarabioyo is available again in the coming days after he also missed the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace, with him being noted as their next best option available when it comes to progressing the ball.