Chelsea are accelerating talks to sign Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella for around £50million.
Cucurella has been angling for a move to Manchester City all summer but they refused to meet Brighton’s valuation for the Spaniard, which opened the door for Chelsea.
Talks will continue this week but Cucurella is thought to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge and Brighton are willing to sell him if their asking price is met.
Chelsea are also beginning to receive interest in Malang Sarr, which includes an approach from Fulham.
The Blues have blocked any exits for defenders until they make more signings themselves.
They have only signed Kalidou Koulibaly but could sanction an exit for Sarr after the signing of Cucurella.
Chelsea are also on the verge of signing 18-year-old goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire for £12m.
Slonina will sign a six-year deal but move straight back on loan to his MLS club to complete the season.
It means that he won’t be a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga who is nearing a move to Napoli on loan, with part of his salary to be paid by Chelsea.
