Chelsea ‘Close’ to Agreeing Deal for First Summer Signing – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Close in on Dario Essugo Signing Despite Transfer Concerns

Chelsea are making significant strides in their pursuit of Sporting CP starlet Dario Essugo, as reported by TeamTalk. The 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder, currently impressing on loan at Las Palmas, has attracted widespread attention, and Chelsea are eager to finalise a deal swiftly.

Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy: Outgoings and Youth Investments

During the January transfer window, Chelsea primarily focused on offloading surplus players, loaning out Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Axel Disasi. They also sold Cesare Casadei to Torino. However, the club did manage to bring in one new face—Mathis Amougou from Saint-Etienne for €15 million (£12.5m).

Amougou, a France U19 midfielder, will integrate into Chelsea’s first team for the next six months before potentially heading out on loan. But Amougou isn’t the only midfield reinforcement on Chelsea’s radar. Dario Essugo, a promising talent from Sporting CP, has emerged as a primary target.

Photo: IMAGO

Progress in Talks but Questions Remain

According to TeamTalk, Chelsea are “closing in” on an agreement with Sporting CP for Essugo. The club’s urgency stems from Essugo’s standout performances at Las Palmas, where he’s been earning plaudits for his maturity and composure on the ball.

However, a potential roadblock could be Essugo’s demand for first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge. The young midfielder is keen on playing regularly and is wary of becoming another name in Chelsea’s extensive loan network. It remains unclear whether head coach Enzo Maresca is willing to guarantee Essugo the playing time he seeks.

A Familiar Pattern: Chelsea’s Youth Dilemma

Essugo’s apprehension isn’t unfounded. Chelsea’s recent transfer activity has highlighted a pattern of signing young talents only to send them on multiple loan spells. Aaron Anselmino, who signed from Boca Juniors, has already refused a loan move to Strasbourg, citing concerns over constant relocation.

Similarly, highly-rated striker Eli Junior Kroupi opted for Bournemouth over Chelsea, doubting his chances of breaking into Maresca’s senior squad. Essugo’s case appears to follow a similar trajectory—even though TeamTalk reported that Chelsea had agreed personal terms with him during the January window, they failed to finalise a deal with Sporting CP in time.

Photo: IMAGO

Broader Transfer Interests: Liverpool Duo in Sight

In addition to Essugo, Chelsea are casting a wide net in the transfer market. Reports suggest the Blues are interested in Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Luis Diaz.

Kelleher, who may find himself displaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili at Anfield, is a target for several clubs, including Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Celtic. Chelsea’s interest in the Irish goalkeeper adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive race.

Luis Diaz has also caught Chelsea’s attention. The club has reportedly prepared a “competitive offer” for the Colombian winger. However, securing Diaz’s signature won’t be straightforward, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan also vying for his services.

Navigating Transfer Warnings and Player Expectations

While Chelsea’s aggressive approach in the transfer market is nothing new, their handling of young talents like Essugo will be under scrutiny. The midfielder’s demand for first-team action could serve as a litmus test for how the club plans to integrate emerging stars into the senior squad.

Chelsea’s inability to assure players like Anselmino and Kroupi of consistent playing time has already cost them promising signings. If Essugo’s concerns aren’t addressed, the Blues risk losing another bright prospect.

TeamTalk has been at the forefront of reporting these developments, shedding light on Chelsea’s evolving transfer strategies and the potential challenges they face.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, the potential signing of Dario Essugo presents both excitement and scepticism. On the one hand, Essugo’s talent is undeniable—his performances at Las Palmas demonstrate a maturity beyond his years, and his addition could bolster Chelsea’s midfield depth.

However, there’s a lingering concern about how the club manages young players. The revolving door of loan moves has become a hallmark of Chelsea’s youth strategy, often stalling the development of promising talents. Fans have witnessed this cycle too many times, with players struggling to secure a permanent spot in the first team.

Essugo’s demand for first-team football is refreshing but also risky. If the club can’t guarantee him meaningful minutes, there’s a chance he could become disillusioned, much like Anselmino and Kroupi. Enzo Maresca’s role will be pivotal in addressing these concerns and ensuring that Essugo’s potential isn’t wasted in the loan system.

The broader interest in Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Luis Diaz also signals Chelsea’s intent to strengthen key areas. While these moves are exciting, the club’s long-term strategy will ultimately be judged by how they integrate new signings into the squad, balancing immediate success with future growth.