Chelsea transfer news: Signing Lewis Dunk from Brighton could cost up to £50m

Chelsea are being linked with a move for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Lewis Dunk but he could cost the club up to £50m to sign, according to reports.  

The west London club have been granted license to sign players this January after their initial two-window transfer embargo was lifted earlier this season.

Could Chelsea sign Lewis Dunk? Five things to know…

• As reported by The Times, Chelsea “have inquired about Brighton and Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk”.
• The Seagulls are believed to value Dunk at around £50m, but Lampard has been given a considerable budget to work with.
• The report also claims that Brighton would not stand in the way if their prized defender wants to leave for a club of Chelsea’s stature.
• Chelsea have been linked with a number of defensive candidates this window, with Lampard thought to be keen on bolstering his backline.
• The Blues have conceded more goals than any Premier League club in the current top seven this season (29).

Is Dunk the answer to Lampard’s defensive problems?

Although Lampard has spoken openly about bringing in a player capable of filling the goalscoring void vacated by Eden Hazard over the summer, his team’s defensive vulnerabilities must also be addressed.

The Blues have shipped in 29 goals in the league this campaign, the most of any side in the current top seven and more than the likes of Crystal Palace (24).

Therefore, a move for Dunk would appear to make sense for Lampard, as he would be bringing in an experienced Premier League player, who has been a key component of Brighton’s ascent and survival in the top flight.

The 6ft 4in centre-back could beef up Chelsea‘s backline, offering an aggressive streak in defence, but also a goalscoring threat from set-pieces in the final third.

The 28-year-old Brighton skipper has amassed 20 league games under Graham Potter this campaign, scoring twice and registering three assists. He also has one England cap to his name and may feel a move to one of the league’s traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs is necessary in order to catch Gareth Southgate’s attention ahead of Euro 2020.

Can Chelsea finish in the top four this season?

• Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League after 21 games and sit five points above fifth-placed Man Utd.
• Lampard‘s next five league games include tough fixtures against Arsenal, Man Utd and Spurs.
• William Hill give Lampard‘s side a 2/5* chance of finishing in the top four come the end of the season.
• Should Chelsea‘s form dip in the second half of the season then you can get odds of 6/4* for them to finish outside the top four.
• Or if you feel the Blues will completely crumble, William Hill are offering odds of 6/1* for them to finish outside the top six.

*All odds provided by William Hill, Squawka’s partner for the 2020 January transfer window. You have to be 18+ to gamble. For more information, go to GambleAware.org