Chelsea are monitoring Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, who is available for around €45 million this summer, according to CaughtOffside. The Ecuador international reportedly sought a transfer last summer, with a move to Marseille ultimately failing to materialise.
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 reports indicate 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 come to fruition.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Ordonez is partially contingent on their ongoing negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion for Jan Paul van Hecke. Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs are still in discussions with Brighton, but the Seagulls are proving difficult to negotiate with, despite personal terms with Van Hecke being agreed. The Dutch defender is keen to reunite with his former Brighton manager, Roberto de Zerbi.
Chelsea have also shown interest in Van Hecke, but a move appears unlikely unless Tottenham’s pursuit falls through. Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has addressed speculation surrounding his future, admitting his admiration for incoming manager Xabi Alonso. Cucurella has been linked with a return to LaLiga, with Atletico Madrid expected to initiate formal talks with Chelsea.
Despite previous reports suggesting a desire to leave, Cucurella has stated he is open to Alonso’s project at Chelsea. He has spoken with former teammates Alejandro Grimaldo and Borja Iglesias, who have both worked with Alonso, and received positive feedback. Fabrizio Romano clarifies that Cucurella will not force a move away from the club and will not create problems for Chelsea.
