Report: Brighton interested in 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder

Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in Chelsea star Billy Gilmour

According to the Daily Mail, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour on a permanent basis this summer.

This comes after the midfielder has struggled to cement a place for himself in Thomas Tuchel’s side. The 21-year-old has struggled for game time and was not even allotted a squad number for this season.

Gilmour spent the last season on loan at Norwich City. The central-midfielder made 28 appearances for the Canaries in all competitions, managing to get three assists in the process. It was a very disappointing spell which ended with his side getting relegated.

Things did not get any better on his return back to west London. He was included in Tuchel’s pre-season squad and there were expectations that he would impress the coach this time.

However, such expectations were short-lived and he was sent to train with the Under-21 squad along with a few other players. If that was not enough, he was not allotted a squad number for this season, effectively signalling that he is nowhere near Tuchel’s plan for this season.

A loan move should be the preferred option for the midfielder. Still 21, the player has a lot to offer and under the right guidance, he could reach his true potential. Brighton are a very exciting club, who play very fluid and attacking football. Gilmour will definitely improve himself there.

It will be wise to send him out on loan or include a buy-back clause in his deal. Either way, the Blues can monitor his progress and then take a final decision on his future. If he stays back, he will likely struggle to get minutes as there are better players ahead of him in the pecking order.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea know they have beaten Manchester United in pursuit of Frenkie de Jong
• Chelsea star Marc Cucurella gives his verdict on snubbing Manchester City
• Newcastle United are interested in negotiating for four Chelsea stars this summer

He won’t be alone at Brighton. Levi Colwill is also on loan at the Seagulls and he could partner up with him. It remains to be seen what sort of deal is negotiated between the two clubs. Hopefully, we won’t let a talent of Gilmour’s level slip through our fingers permanently.