Brighton CEO Pokes Fun at Chelsea Over De Zerbi’s Interest

• Chelsea have been Brighton's most significant benefactor since Todd Boehly took over
• The Blues have signed Graham Potter, his coaching staff, technical director and defender Marc Cucurella
• Todd Boehly is reportedly interested in making one more signing from the Seagulls

Brighton are one of the biggest beneficiaries of Chelsea's cash splash since Todd Boehly took over at the London club about a year ago, with the seagulls receiving close to £100m.

The Blues signed Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella for £63m, with English defender Levi Colwill going the other way on loan. Academy star Billy Gilmour also departed for the AMEX Stadium for £9m in a different transfer.

German manager Thomas Tuchel was let go after a few games into the season. Chelsea turned towards Brighton again, recruiting Graham Potter and his backroom staff, including young recruitment specialist Kyle Macauley.

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Chelsea interested in De Zerbi

Brighton hired former Italian midfielder and Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Roberto De Zerbi to replace Potter after the English manager left for Chelsea in September.

Two wins in the last 17 games have left Chelsea reconsidering their stance on Potter. If the former Swansea manager is sacked, Boehly is interested in going after his replacement at Brighton to replace him again at Chelsea, as reported by Football Insider.

Brighton CEO makes fun of Chelsea

Brighton CEO Paul Barber has a good relationship with Chelsea owners after their recent business. He confirmed this while speaking to Financial Times at the Business of Football Summit and made a joke at the Blues.

“I am happy to pick up the phone to Chelsea apart from when it’s for our coaches. I have told the cleaning staff to be careful, they may be headhunted as well,” he said.

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“A club of our size can only compete if we trade well,” he added.

Chelsea fans react to De Zerbi rumours

Sports Brief earlier reported that Chelsea fans say the same thing about the reports that the club will replace Graham Potter if he gets sacked with his replacement at Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi.

The fans agreed Todd Boehly, who has been looking to buy a second club for his multi-club model, should just buy Brighton and move staff and players around between the two clubs.

Germany head coach Hansi Flick, former Spain manager Luis Enrique and former Chelsea boss José Mourinho are other managers reportedly on the club's shortlist.