Chelsea FC target Lewis Dunk has signed a new five-year contract extension with Brighton, putting an end to speculation linking the centre-back with a move to Stamford Bridge in this summer’s transfer window.
Dunk had emerged as a major target for the Blues with Frank Lampard aiming to strengthen the defensive core of his side ahead of the upcoming season. The west London club are in the market for another quality option at centre-back following a horrid defensive showing across the club’s 2019-20 league campaign.
Besides Chelsea FC, the 28-year old Brighton defender had also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspurs. Jose Mourinho had been believed to be looking at Dunk as a replacement for the departing Jan Vertonghen who has since then signed for Benfica.
Upon putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Seagulls, Dunk’s stay at the Amex will now be extended until 2025. The centre-back has already made over 300 appearances for Brighton and is set to become to the club’s highest-earning player following his new contract signing, reports suggest.
The Blues had been understood to have lodged a £40 million bid for the English defender last week. However, Brighton manager Graham Potter had been firm on not letting his star centre-back exit the club with the 2020-21 Premier League season poised to get underway in over three week’s time.
