According to 90min, Chelsea are set to sign Brighton wonderkid Zak Sturge, who is also wanted by Tottenham and Leeds.
What’s the story?
Well, both Antonio Conte and Jesse Marsch were hoping to sign the 18-year-old this summer, after he refused to sign a new contract at the Amex Stadium.
However, the pair have seemingly lost out to Thomas Tuchel, who is closing in on a deal for the teenager.
90min believe Brentford were also interested in Sturge, who is now set to discuss personal terms with the Blues.
Despite the fact Sturge would be a free transfer, Chelsea still need to agree a compensation fee with Brighton, due to the fact he is a product of their Academy.
Nevertheless, it seems Spurs and Leeds are about to miss out on a gem.
Sturge has represented England at youth level, while he has also made three appearances in the Premier League 2.
Tottenham shouldn’t be too upset about Chelsea deal, but Leeds should
While it’s a shame for Tottenham to miss out on a bright prospect, they shouldn’t be too upset given the immediate first-team options they have in the left-back department.
Spurs recently wrapped up a deal for Ivan Perisic, who shone in a left wing-back role for Inter Milan last season.
Conte can also call upon Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon in that area of the field.
In Marsch’s case, however, Leeds need a new left-back.
Junior Firpo struggled in his debut season in the Premier League, and there is little competition for the 25-year-old.
Of course, you may argue that Sturge wouldn’t walk straight into the first-team, but you only need to look at the likes of Tino Livramento, Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guéhi to gauge just how much talent is lingering in Premier League academies.
Hopefully, Marsch can find himself a new left-back soon.
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