Chelsea are monitoring Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as a potential summer signing, according to reports from CaughtOffside. The Ecuador international is valued at around €45 million, and Brugge are reportedly open to offers following a failed transfer to Marseille last summer.
Ordonez has previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with suggestions that Moises Caicedo recommended the centre-back to the Blues. However, current indications suggest that Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for his signature. Liverpool were heavily linked with Ordonez in January, though a deal did not materialize despite earlier reports claiming it was completed.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Ordonez is currently complicated by ongoing negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion for Jan Paul van Hecke. Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs are in discussions with Brighton, but the Seagulls are proving difficult to negotiate with, despite personal terms being agreed with the player. Van Hecke is keen to reunite with his former Brighton manager, Roberto de Zerbi, at Tottenham.
Chelsea have also shown interest in Van Hecke, but a move appears contingent on Tottenham failing to secure a deal for the Dutch defender. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has publicly addressed his future, stating his admiration for incoming manager Xabi Alonso. Despite reports suggesting he wishes to leave following Chelsea’s failure to qualify for European competition, Cucurella insists he is “very happy” at the club and will not force a move.
Cucurella revealed he has spoken with Alonso, who “inspired a lot of confidence” in him, and has also received positive feedback from former teammates Alejandro Grimaldo and Borja Iglesias, who have both worked with Alonso previously. Fabrizio Romano reports that Cucurella will not actively push for a transfer, and will not create problems for Chelsea during the window. Atletico Madrid are expected to initiate formal talks with Chelsea regarding a potential deal for Cucurella.
