Chelsea have long admired Brighton teen Evan Ferguson.
Brighton will fight any approach for the 19-year-old attacker, who just signed a contract extension until 2029 and may cost more than £100 million.
The Seagulls are not under any obligation to sell and do not want to lose another jewel to Chelsea, whom they persuaded to spend £115 million for Moises Caicedo last summer.
Brighton’s unwillingness to lose another star to Chelsea is seen as a big impediment to any potential future trade for Ferguson.
Last summer, Manchester United and Tottenham were linked with a deal for the Republic of Ireland international to replace Harry Kane.
Ferguson, who has six goals in 24 appearances for Brighton this season, was touted as a “very special talent” who “could be a superstar” by Alan Shearer last year.
Ferguson’s profile suits Chelsea’s youth-first approach to the transfer market, which means they won’t have to break their wage structure to sign a top-tier striker.
Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney may expect more than £200,000 per week, whereas Ferguson is likely to demand less than half of that.
Chelsea have already plundered Brighton for a number of players and a manager, and the Seagulls will fight any further approach for another asset. The Blues paid £63 million for left-back Marc Cucurella, £25 million for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, and £21.5 million for coach Graham Potter, a club record.
Chelsea have also signed sporting director Paul Winstanley, scout Kyle Macaulay, and head of goalkeeping Ben Roberts from Brighton, paying the south coast club well over £200 million over three transfer windows.
The Blues have made a new striker their top priority, but Mauricio Pochettino insists they are not in a rush to sign one in January.
Although Chelsea will have a lot of money to spend this summer, if they don’t qualify for Europe again, their transfer fund will be cut.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli includes a £112 million release clause. Toney’s January departure has been ruled out by Brentford, who are expected to seek more than £80 million for him at the conclusion of the season.
Chelsea have also been linked with Feyenoord midfielder Santiago Gimenez, RB Leipzig midfielder Benjamin Sesko, and Stuttgart midfielder Serhou Guirassy.
This month, the Blues are taking extra precautions to ensure they meet profit and sustainability targets. Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah’s futures at Stamford Bridge are questionable.
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