Chelsea are reportedly ‘very close’ to signing a player on transfer deadline day who has not been linked with the club once this window.
The Blues have been active in the market for weeks, with links to numerous targets around the world, yet they have still not completed any incoming deals.
This was always expected to change on Monday, as Saint-Etienne midfielder Mathis Amougou edges closer to joining the West London club.
It now looks like the Frenchman will not be the only player moving to Stamford Bridge after the latest report from Portugal.
Chelsea to sign Dario Essugo in £17m deal
Portuguese outlet Record reported on Monday afternoon that Chelsea are expected to sign Dario Essugo on deadline day.
Essugo had been loosely linked with a move to England before Christmas but there had been nothing to suggest anything was imminent. It now appears that a £17 million (€20m) transfer is on the cards.
The Portugal under-21 international has impressed on loan at La Liga club Las Palmas in the 2024/25 season, although he actually belongs to Sporting CP. They must recall him before selling to Chelsea.
The 19-year-old is under contract with the Lisbon side until 2027 and has a release clause of £37m (€45m), so the Blues have arguably done well to reach the £17m agreement.
What Dario Essugo revelation could mean for Mathis Amougou deal
There is no indication that the imminent arrival of Essugo will impact the potential Amougou deal at this moment in time.
Chelsea have consistently stockpiled young talent under the current ownership so it would not be overly surprising to see the club sign both midfielders on deadline day.
Perhaps one will stay with Enzo Maresca and the first team while the other goes on loan to sister club Strasbourg.
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