Chelsea Football Club are stepping up their efforts to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s highly-rated left-back Pervis Estupiñán, with a deal worth around £38 million now being seriously explored. As the summer transfer window gains momentum, the Blues are taking measured but decisive steps to address key positions in the squad — and the Ecuadorian international has emerged as a serious target.
Why Chelsea Genuinely Need a Left-Back
Chelsea’s situation at left-back has been a bit of a revolving door lately. Marc Cucurella has had flashes of form, but injuries and inconsistency elsewhere have left the team exposed. With Ben Chilwell struggling to stay fit and Lewis Hall now out of the picture, it’s clear that there’s a hole that needs filling — not just patched over.
New boss Enzo Maresca, fresh off guiding Leicester back to the Premier League, is a coach who values dynamic full-backs who can push the game forward. Estupiñán fits that bill perfectly.
According to Football365, Chelsea are “particularly enthusiastic” about landing the Ecuadorian. They see him as someone who can make an immediate impact and also be a reliable presence in the long term. Brighton are reluctant to sell, but reports suggest they would consider bids in the region of €45 million (£37.9 million).
From Villarreal to Brighton — and Now a Step Up?
Estupiñán arrived in the Premier League in 2022 from Villarreal and settled in quickly. In his debut season at Brighton, he chipped in with seven assists and a goal — not bad for a defender — while helping the club secure European qualification.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi called him “irreplaceable” near the end of last season, and honestly, that summed it up well. Still, Brighton have a track record of selling big names for the right price — we’ve already seen them move on players like Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo, and even Cucurella.
Other Clubs Sniffing Around
While Chelsea are leading the race for Estupiñán, they’re definitely not alone. Tottenham are said to be keen, possibly to add depth behind Destiny Udogie. Manchester United are also monitoring the situation as they plan for life beyond Luke Shaw, while AC Milan have shown interest too.
That said, Chelsea might have the advantage. They can offer Champions League football, and under a new, forward-thinking manager, they can promise a clear and exciting role for a player like Estupiñán.
What Makes Estupiñán Special
Stats aside, Estupiñán plays like someone who gets the rhythm of the game. He’s fast, aggressive when needed, and composed on the ball. Brighton often switched between a back four and a wing-back system, and he adapted seamlessly, offering width and drive in both setups.
Watching him live at Stamford Bridge last season, it was obvious he wasn't just going through the motions. His composure, his quick decision-making, the way he timed his overlapping runs — it all stood out. He didn’t just hold his own; he caused problems.
Defensively, he’s just as solid. High tackle success rate, good awareness, and not afraid to battle in the air. For Chelsea, he could play a role similar to how João Cancelo did under Guardiola — a full-back who can step into midfield or push forward as needed.
Brighton Are No Pushovers in the Market
One thing we know about Brighton: they drive a hard bargain. CEO Paul Barber has made it clear time and again that their players don’t come cheap — and frankly, it’s a model that’s worked wonders for them.
According to The Athletic, Brighton are fully aware of what Estupiñán brings to the table and aren’t willing to let him go for less than their valuation.
Chelsea, for their part, seem to be learning from their previous mistakes in the transfer market. Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley appear more calculated this time around — targeting players who actually fit the system, not just big names.
Even His Agent Isn’t Playing Coy
Estupiñán’s agent, Manuel Sierra, recently gave an interview to Ecuadorian outlet Studio Futbol, saying:
> "Pervis is one of the top left-backs in world football right now. We’ve had inquiries from England, Spain, and Italy. Of course, it’s normal when a player performs well, but nothing is decided yet."
That doesn’t scream “done deal,” but it does suggest that clubs — likely including Chelsea — are seriously circling.
Fabrizio Romano Weighs In
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also gave his input, tweeting:
> "🚨 Chelsea have concrete interest in Pervis Estupiñán. Internal discussions ongoing about making an official approach. Brighton would ask for €45m package. One to watch in the coming weeks. 🚀
Romano is usually reliable, and when he starts tweeting like this, there’s generally some fire behind the smoke.
So, What’s Next for Chelsea?
With the transfer window officially open, Chelsea fans can expect things to heat up quickly. Bringing in Estupiñán would send a strong message — that the club is building smartly for the future, not just throwing money around.
Getting the deal done early would give the player a chance to settle in before the season kicks off in August. After a few seasons of imbalance and chaos, Chelsea need to get these key decisions right — and fast.
Final Thoughts from WanderlustSport
This move isn’t just about plugging a gap — it feels like a sign of where Chelsea are heading. Estupiñán is the kind of player you bring in when you’ve got a plan: Premier League-proven, in his prime, and suited to the system. Not a gamble, but a well-calculated decision.
If the transfer does go through, fans at Stamford Bridge will love what he brings — drive, grit, and real quality on both sides of the ball. And if Chelsea play their cards right, this could be one of the smartest deals of the summer.
Stay tuned because this one could happen quickly.
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