Chelsea close to agreement for FIRST summer signing

Cameron Smith

9 Feb 2025 17:00 GMT
5 min read

Chelsea are reportedly close to finalising an agreement to sign Sporting CP midfielder Dario Essugo this summer.

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The 19-year-old is currently on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas and his form in Spain has attracted significant interest from Enzo Maresca’s side, who are eager to complete a deal ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Essugo was heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge move in January, but the Blues opted to instead secure the services of Saint-Etienne youngster Mathis Amougou on Transfer Deadline Day.

However, Essugo remains a key target for Chelsea and they are close to reaching an agreement over a summer deal, according to The Sun.

The Portugal U21 international has made 14 appearances for Las Palmas so far this season and he will reportedly only accept a move to Stamford Bridge if he is shown an appropriate pathway to regular first-team football.

Chelsea already have eight central midfielders in their ranks, with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Amougou currently at the club, and Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu and Andrey Santos out on loan.

As a result, Essugo will face significant competition for a place in Maresca’s starting XI if he joins Chelsea this summer.

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Chelsea’s summer transfer plans

In addition to Essugo, Chelsea are expected to pursue a new winger and a new centre forward during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Victor Osimhen, Karim Adeyemi, Nico Williams, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have all been linked with a Stamford Bridge switch as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster the attacking options at his disposal.

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has also been touted to re-join Chelsea this year amid the Blues’ pursuit for an additional centre-back. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are currently absent through injury, while Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga were sent out on loan in January.