Transfer blow for Chelsea as 28-year-old target signs five-year contract with current club

Lewis Dunk signs five-year contract with Brighton

As reported by The Independent, Lewis Dunk has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion, amid transfer interest from Chelsea.

The 28-year-old has spent his entire career at Brighton, amassing 306 appearances so far. Dunk has been one of the Seagulls’ best player year after year, helping them hold on to their Premier League status.

However, it looked like the Englishman could be on his way out of the Amex Stadium this summer, with Chelsea taking a keen interest in signing him.

Chelsea’s defence was quite porous in the season gone by, with the Blues letting in as many as 54 goals in the league – the most by any team in the top half of the table. So, bringing in a new centre-back of Dunk’s ilk would have been a step in the right direction for the club.

The 28-year-old may not be the most attractive prospect, but has proven himself at the Premier League stage for a number of years now. Moreover, having captained the Seagulls, he would have added an authoritative presence at the back, something our defence lacked this past season.

However, Brighton have poured cold water on Chelsea’s hopes of signing the England international, by confirming that he has signed a new five-year contract. (h/t The Independent)

“Brighton & Hove Albion are delighted to announce that captain Lewis Dunk has signed a new five-year contract tying him to the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.”

More Chelsea News

• Blues make improved bid for Kai Havertz
• Chelsea have upperhand over Napoli in Sergio Reguilon chase
• Chelsea 2020/21 Premier League campaign – Important dates and fixtures

With signing Dunk now becoming a difficult proposition, it remains to be seen who the club will go after. Recent reports have claimed that the Blues are in advanced negotiations to sign Thiago Silva.