Chelsea in shock swoop after Brighton star misses flight to join Prem rival

CHELSEA are closing in on a shock transfer to land yet another Brighton star - 24 hours after he had a flight booked to go to Leeds.

The Blues have raided the Amex in recent years, splashing out £275million to nab 14 players and staff members.

4 Facundo Buonanotte looks set to join Chelsea on loan Credit: Getty

And now they want No15 - in the shape of Facundo Buonanotte .

Chelsea are leading the race to take the Argentine playmaker on loan for the season.

Borussia Dortmund also want Buonanotte, who is being tracked by a number of clubs.

SunSport understands Brighton would prefer their youngster to go out on loan and not leave the south coast permanently.

They also hope he can stay in the Premier League.

Leeds thought they were close to wrapping up a deal with a flight to Yorkshire and a medical booked for Thursday.

However, the move collapsed - allowing Chelsea to pounce after missing out on Xavi Simons who is on the verge of signing for Tottenham .

Fabrizio Romano adds an initial loan deal has been agreed and the player has accepted the proposal.

Buonanotte spent last season on loan at Leicester and was a rare bright spark for the Foxes during their relegation campaign.

He racked up five goals and two assists but could not prevent the King Power club returning to the Championship.

The two-cap senior international is yet to feature for Fabian Hurzeler this season.

Buonanotte - who scored for Brighton at Stamford Bridge in 2023 - could provide cover for Cole Palmer .

Enzo Maresca's talisman is struggling with the groin injury he picked up before the win over West Ham.

And the addition of Buonanotte to strengthen in that attacking role would mean Palmer's return is less rushed.

It would also mean more business done between Chelsea and Brighton .

Todd Boehly's regime in 2022 started with youngsters Zak Sturge and Shumaira Mheuka.

Staff members including Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Paul Winstanley swapped the Amex for Stamford Bridge.

But there have also been some seriously mammoth transfers with Marc Cucurella (£62m), Moises Caicedo (£115m), Robert Sanchez (£25m) and now Joao Pedro (£60m) all making big-money moves.

4 He scored for Brighton at Stamford Bridge in December 2023 Credit: Reuters

4 Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro both made big-money moves from the Amex to Stamford Bridge Credit: Alamy

TOTAL - £280.75m

OUT

TOTAL - £268.2m

Premier League Chelsea Brighton Facundo Buonanotte Transfer Rumor

Ruben Amorim sends transfer message to Kobbie Mainoo amid desire for £50m exit: Man United boss Ruben Amorim insists Kobbie Mainoo must stay and fight for his place despite Napoli's £50m interest. The 20-year-old midfielder seeks more playing time ahead of the World Cup.

Tyrell Malacia: Elche take significant step towards sealing late deal for Man United man: Elche are in talks to sign Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia on loan. The Netherlands international, deemed surplus by Ruben Amorim, could leave before the transfer deadline after failing to impress at PSV last season.

Ruben Amorim knows what Man Utd chiefs think of him as pressure grows ahead of talks: Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim faces scrutiny after a Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. With mounting pressure, Saturday's match against Burnley is crucial for his future at Old Trafford.