Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea agree deal for "high level" player likened to Messi
Chelsea have pulled off a dramatic late move with very little clues in the build-up, with BlueCo’s latest transfer deal seemingly coming out of nowhere.
Enzo Maresca’s side, once again, have been one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs in terms of incomings and outgoings. The west Londoners have shaken hands on 23 transfers in total, including exit deals and pre-agreed transfers prior to this summer, but that number doesn’t even factor in their various loan deals for the likes of Aaron Anselmino and Marc Guiu.
Joao Pedro
Noni Madueke
Jamie Gittens
João Félix
Jorrel Hato
Djordje Petrovic
Liam Delap
Lesley Ugochukwu
Dario Essugo
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Mamadou Sarr
Renato Veiga
Estevao
Armando Broja
Kendry Paez
Carney Chukwuemeka
Alejandro Garnacho
Mathis Amougou
Basir Humphreys
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Marcus Bettinelli
Christopher Nkunku
Alfie Gilchrist
Lucas Bergstrom
This number also includes their latest new arrival, winger Alejandro Garnacho in a £40 million deal from Man United, as Chelsea finally reached an agreement after weeks of talks with the Red Devils.
The Argentine bagged 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last term, with Garancho arriving at Chelsea after the club completed extensive background checks on his character/personality (Matt Law), not to mention an eight-year scouting mission.
While their deal for Garnacho had been meticulously planned and thought out, the same cannot be said for Brighton starlet Facundo Bounanotte.
We’ve heard precious little about any prior interest from Chelsea in the 20-year-old, but Maresca has now added to his contingent of former Brighton players with a temporary deal for him.
Chelsea agree deal to sign Facundo Bounanotte on loan from Brighton
As per Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Bounanotte on loan, hijacking Leeds United’s long-awaited deal for him in the process.
This also comes after Tottenham hijacked Chelsea’s move for Xavi Simons, with Bounanotte potentially coming as an alternative to the Dutchman.
Whilst not of the same calibre, past praise for the player should have supporters fairly intrigued – as Bounanotte has been likened to footballing icon Lionel Messi.