Historic transfer: Chelsea set to beat Arsenal to signing of Nigerian CB, final talks next week

Chelsea are ahead of London rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Polish-born Nigerian central defender, Bright Ede, according to multiple reports from the Polish media.

Sport1 says Chelsea are in the final stages of completing the transfer of Ede from Motor Lublin, with talks set to conclude next week.

The transfer fee will exceed eleven million euros, setting a new record as the most expensive transfer in Ekstraklasa history.

The current Ekstraklasa transfer record stands at €11 million, jointly held by Jakub Moder (Lech Poznań to Brighton & Hove Albion), Kacper Kozłowski (Pogoń Szczecin to Brighton & Hove Albion), and Ante Crnac (Raków Częstochowa to Norwich City).

Final negotiations between Chelsea and Motor Lublin over the the transfer of Bright Ede are scheduled for next week, with the deal expected to be finalised before the end of June, barring any last-minute complications.

After signing for the Blues, the 18-year-old will be immediately loaned out to Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg to continue his development.

Chelsea are keen to wrap up the deal quickly, aware that Ede is drawing interest from several clubs across Europe’s top five leagues, including Arsenal.

An Arsenal scout was present at the Radom Municipal Stadium on May 24 to assess Ede firsthand during Motor Lublin’s 3–2 win over Radomiak Radom on the final day of the Ekstraklasa season.

The young centre-back featured for the full 90 minutes before being substituted in stoppage time.

Bright is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his father Lucky Ede who lives with his Polish wife in Warsaw.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit:motorlublin.eu

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