Chelsea wanted to sign ‘exceptional’ striker but he’s now heading to Brighton instead

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The Blues are set for a busy deadline day with a number of ins and outs expected at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Felix looks set to join AC Milan, meanwhile, Chelsea look to sign Mathis Amougou.

One deal Chelsea won’t be getting done this January however is that of Stefanos Tzimas.

The Blues were keen on signing Tzimas this January but now won’t be able to following news that he has joined another Premier League club.

• READ MORE: Five Chelsea transfers to watch out for on deadline day, including Joao Felix exit and Man City wonderkid signing

Chelsea target Stefanos Tzimas joins Brighton

Enzo Maresca’s side were reportedly one of four Premier League clubs after the Greek striker’s signature with Brighton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle all interested.

Brighton however have come out on top in the race to sign the Nuremburg man, agreeing to a £22 million deal with the Bundesliga 2 outfit.

Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler commented on the signing, telling the Brighton website:

“Stefanos is an exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed him.

“He will join up with us in the summer, ahead of next season, but we are really looking forward to working with him, and feel he has a very exciting future ahead.”

Chelsea may have missed out on gem in Tzimas

Despite not making a real play to sign Tzimas, Chelsea may be left regretting their decision in a few years.

Brighton have a strong reputation of recruiting the best youngsters from across Europe – something the Blues are very familiar with following the signings of Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo.

Tzimas’s stats, albeit in the German second division, suggest he could make an impact in England, especially with the Seagulls crying for a consistent goalscorer.

If Chelsea are yet to lock down their striker position in a couple of years time, it would be no surprise to see them return for Tzimas if he succeeds at the Amex.