Brighton defender Lewis Dunk in action. (Getty Images)
According to Football Insider (h/t Daily Express), Chelsea are planning a shock move for Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk.
Chelsea in recent months have been linked with a move for West Ham ace Declan Rice as they plan for defensive reinforcements ahead of next season. However, Rice is West Ham’s most prized asset and it remains to be seen if they are ready to part with their star player.
That said, Chelsea have turned their attention to Brighton centre-back Dunk as an alternative to their top-target Rice. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Dunk has spent his entire career with the Seagulls, having risen through their academy ranks.
The Englishman has been a mainstay in Brighton’s defence, starting in 110 of their 114 Premier League matches since their promotion from the Championship three years ago.
His inspiring and rock-solid displays at the back had seen him captain the side following their promotion into the top-flight. Dunk is also equally dangerous in the attack as he is in defence, having scored 19 goals from his overall 306 appearances for Brighton so far.
Having proved himself as a consistent face in the Brighton defence over the years, it is not a big surprise Chelsea have now shown an interest in him.
The Blues have been struggling with consistency at the back, which has seen them emerge as the side with the worst defensive record in the top half of the Premier League table this season. They conceded 54 goals from 38 league games, giving an idea that they are in clear need of reinforcements at the back.
Chelsea’s centre-backs Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen have lacked consistency, forcing manager Frank Lampard to hunt for new faces. Apart from these three, Chelsea also have academy graduate Fikayo Tomori in their ranks. However, he lacks experience and has a lot more to develop in his game.
Though Rice remains Chelsea’s top transfer priority, Dunk poses a cheaper alternative for the Blues, as he would cost them only a little more than £30million.
Moreover, Dunk is an experienced campaigner, who has 164 Championship appearances and 110 Premier League appearances to his name. Hence, Chelsea shouldn’t think twice about going ahead with their interest in the Brighton skipper, who has immense experience in his kitty.
Despite their fourth-place finish in the table this season, Chelsea have lacked consistency in their defence this season. Dunk, who has been a regular presence at the back for Brighton all these years, would be useful. Moreover, he has vast experience playing in English conditions and would be a good fit at Stamford Bridge. He is 28 and still has enough football left in him.
