Chelsea have reportedly identified two Brighton & Hove Albion players as potential transfer targets for 2025.
The Blues are expected to be involved in a chaotic conclusion to the winter window having barely facilitated any incomings or outgoings throughout this month.
Axel Disasi, Cesare Casadei, Harvey Vale and one of Joao Felix or Christopher Nkunku may potentially depart Stamford Bridge before the February 3 deadline.
Reports have indicated that there is a desire to add at least one fresh face to Enzo Maresca's senior ranks, while work is seemingly being conducted regarding another youth arrival.
Nevertheless, according to journalist Simon Phillips who was speaking on Substack, two Brighton stars are on the radar of Chelsea's recruitment team.
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Which players have been linked with Chelsea?
Phillips says that midfielder Carlos Baleba and attacker Georginio Rutter were the subject of enquiries earlier this month.
Chelsea were allegedly quickly informed that neither player was available for transfer, particularly during the January transfer window.
Baleba has developed into one of Brighton's star performers after an indifferent first campaign at the Amex Stadium, making 21 starts and two substitute outings in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Rutter has chipped in with four goals and two assists from his 22 Premier League appearances since joining from Leeds United in the summer.
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Will Chelsea's interest remain?
With Baleba costing £23.2m and Rutter a club-record £40m, it is realistic to assume that Brighton would demand far greater fees in both cases.
Chelsea have shown in the past that they are prepared to pay over the odds for Brighton players, with Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo costing in excess of £170m.
Despite that previous spending spree, Chelsea may not be so willing to pay over the odds for either Baleba and Rutter, despite the ages of both players fitting the profile that Chelsea are searching for.
Baleba and Rutter are each on contracts that run until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.
Darren Plant
