Chelsea’s plans to bolster their defence have encountered a complication as Brighton and Hove Albion have submitted a €34.7million (£30m) bid for Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic, according to reports. This move potentially sets in motion a transfer sequence that could see Chelsea miss out on their target, Jan Paul van Hecke.
Van Hecke, 26, has emerged as a key player for Brighton, playing a pivotal role in their seventh-place finish in the 2025-26 Premier League season and subsequent qualification for the UEFA Conference League. Valued at €81million (£70m) by Brighton, the defender has also attracted interest from Tottenham, who have already seen two bids rejected by the club. Brighton CEO Paul Barber has stated that any sale will only occur if it benefits the club’s sporting ambitions.
The Athletic reports that Van Hecke is particularly keen on a move to Tottenham, where he would reunite with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi. This preference adds another layer of difficulty for Chelsea, who were hoping to capitalize on Van Hecke’s expiring contract – he has just 12 months remaining – to secure his signature.
Brighton’s interest in Vuskovic, a highly-rated 19-year-old defender currently at Tottenham, further complicates matters for Chelsea. Vuskovic joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in 2023 for a reported €13.9m (£12m) but is yet to make a senior appearance for the club. He is understood to be attracted to the opportunity to work with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, believing the Amex Stadium offers the ideal environment for his development. Vuskovic scored six goals in 28 games for Hamburg in the 2025-26 season.
Both Van Hecke and Vuskovic are currently preparing for the FIFA World Cup. Van Hecke is part of the Netherlands squad, while Vuskovic has been selected for Croatia. Meanwhile, Chelsea are awaiting news regarding Tyrique George, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton. The Toffees have a €28.9m (£25m) option to sign George permanently, but the Daily Mail reports that the club has yet to make a decision, and other clubs are monitoring the situation.
