Chelsea boss Potter’s chances of Trossard reunion may have been ruined

Chelsea fans react to Thomas Tuchel sacking

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New Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that Leandro Trossard is central to his plans on the south coast, amid reported interest from Chelsea. Since the departure of Graham Potter, several Seagulls stars have been tipped to follow in the footsteps of their former manager and head to Stamford Bridge.

However, Brighton appear to be relying on the arrival of De Zerbi as well as fresh contract talks to keep Trossard at the club. The Belgium international has scored two and assisted one in six appearances this season, playing in a variety of positions.

Under Potter, the 27-year-old was used as a winger, striker and left wing-back in a bid to make use of his creativity and ball control. Thus, Potter reportedly would like to reunite with the former Genk forward at Chelsea.

Though former Sassuolo boss De Zerbi may be hoping that his confidence in the player stops his head from turning. Speaking ahead of his debut match against Liverpool, the Italian was asked about players that he has held talks with, to which he replied: “I have spoken with (Solly) March as well, because for me Solly is a key player.

“I want him to understand why he will be important to me, I want him to have responsibilities that will help increase the number of goals because I fully trust him. I have spoken with Trossard as well, the conversation was more or less the same as what I said to Solly.

“I have spoken with Welbeck, Estupinan, Lamptey, and with the younger players. The day is long, 24 hours, so I have plenty of time to talk to the players.”

Chelsea have also been linked with Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo over the past few weeks, with the Ecuador international attracting interest from Liverpool as well. On paper, Trossard could be seen to be a simpler deal given that his contract expires at the end of the season, but the Amex Stadium outfit are expected to activate a clause in the deal that will see him remain at the club until 2024 at the minimum.

According to The Athletic, the Seagulls are also set to open talks with Trossard to extend his stay with the club beyond that point, though their one-year clause means that they are not in any immediate rush to launch themselves into negotiations.

Chelsea could therefore turn to Christophe Nkunku over Trossard, especially as the playmaker has reportedly already completed his medical with the club in hope that a deal will be struck in January with Red Bull Leipzig. The Frenchman has a release clause in the region of £52m which Potter could push to be met by Todd Boehly.

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