Chelsea are in advanced talks with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte on an initial loan deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues had been chasing Dutch star Xavi Simons earlier this summer but cooled their interest, while Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez was also on their radar. Now, Buonanotte has emerged as the most likely candidate to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad before the window shuts.
Chelsea Make Their Move
Romano reports that the 20-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea and accepted their proposal. Negotiations are now focused on the structure of the loan, with Chelsea keen to insert an option to buy.
Valued at around £17 million, Buonanotte attracted interest from AS Roma and Borussia Dortmund, but the Blues’ long-standing transfer relationship with Brighton appears to have swung the deal in their favour.
Buonanotte’s Rise
The Argentine playmaker spent last season on loan at Leicester City, where he showed flashes of his potential with six goals and three assists in 35 appearances. Leeds United were in talks over a move earlier this summer, but when that fell through, Chelsea swooped in.
It wouldn’t be the first time Chelsea raided Brighton either. Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro all made the move from the Amex to Stamford Bridge in recent years.
Where Does He Fit In?
Breaking into Chelsea’s first team won’t be easy. With Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and teenage sensation Estevao already competing for the right-sided attacking role, Buonanotte may initially serve as depth rather than a starter.
Chelsea’s ongoing financial concerns, particularly with a potential UEFA sanction looming, also explain their preference for a loan deal. Having already agreed to sign Alejandro Garnacho, they’re being cautious with permanent additions.
Still, Buonanotte’s Premier League experience and versatility could make him a valuable stop-gap option while Chelsea assess their own crop of young talents such as Kendry Paez and Geovany Quenda, who are expected back next summer.
For now, the Blues look set to add yet another Brighton player to their ranks—this time a promising Argentine with plenty to prove.