Chelsea move for Brighton’s Buonanotte as transfer reshuffle continues

Chelsea are closing in on a season-long loan deal for Brighton forward Facundo Buonanotte, Sport360NG reports.

The 20-year-old Argentine, who spent last term at Leicester City, was widely expected to join Leeds on loan before the Blues entered the race. Buonanotte scored six goals and provided three assists in 35 appearances during his stint at the King Power, though he was unable to prevent the Foxes from slipping into the Championship.

Chelsea’s interest is strengthened by familiar faces behind the scenes, with co-sporting director Paul Winstanley and recruitment chief Sam Jewell both having previously worked at Brighton.

Meanwhile, Brighton’s Julio Enciso is set to join Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, in a £13.8m move, with the plan for him to eventually transition into the Stamford Bridge squad after a year in France.

The Blues have been scouring the market for extra attacking options, exploring moves for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Garnacho has emerged as the preferred target, with a £40m deal under discussion, while Simons is expected to complete a £51.8m transfer to Tottenham.

Financial restrictions remain a significant factor in Chelsea’s transfer activity. The club were fined £26m by UEFA in July for breaching financial regulations and must maintain a positive transfer balance to avoid Champions League registration issues.

Sales have already generated a Premier League-record £265m this summer, led by Noni Madueke’s £52m switch to Arsenal. Christopher Nkunku’s move to AC Milan and Alfie Gilchrist’s transfer to West Brom have further boosted funds.

More departures are expected before the 1 September deadline, with Nicolas Jackson attracting interest from clubs across Europe, while Tyrique George, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi could also be moved on.