Blow for Chelsea as target signs new deal with current club

Chelsea welcome west London rivals Brentford to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, with interim manager Frank Lampard still in search of his first point as Blues boss. 

The former England captain has so far overseen four defeats since taking charge of the club for a second time, although two of those losses were against European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Now, Chelsea have been dealt yet another blow as one of their transfer targets has signed a new contract with his current club.

Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed on Tuesday that young striker Evan Ferguson has signed a new long-term deal.

His new contract is set to run until the summer of 2028, extending his previous deal by two years.

The Ireland international has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season so far at The Amex, scoring eight goals in 19 appearances across all competitions.

As reported by 90min, the player had been a target for a number of clubs including Chelsea, but it now appears extremely unlikely that he will leave The Seagulls anytime soon.

Ferguson has committed his long-term future to Brighton

As well as The Blues, Ferguson is also said to have attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Napoli, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Barcelona.

The 18-year-old joined Brighton from Irish side Bohemians in 2021 and made his senior debut later that year during a Carabao Cup tie against Cardiff City.

His first Premier League goal came against Arsenal earlier this season, and he has now netted four times in the competition.

Ferguson was rewarded for his form with his first senior international call up earlier this season, and the teenager made his debut for Ireland against Norway last November.

Chelsea could be in the market for a new striker this summer following what has already been a disastrous campaign.

The Blues have struggled particularly in front of goal, netting just 30 goals in the Premier League so far – fewer than 15 of the sides in the division.

Those in charge of the London side will likely have to look elsewhere now, though, as Ferguson has committed his future to his current employers.