Exclusive: Chelsea Target Burnley Loanee Florentino Luís as Maresca Seeks Cover for Caicedo

Benfica’s Florentino Luis has emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea as Enzo Maresca looks to guard against injuries or suspensions to Moises Caicedo hijacking his team’s push for silverware, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Blues have failed to win a Premier League game since Caicedo was red carded during last month’s draw with Arsenal, a sequence of results which has seen them slip from second to fifth in the table ahead of the Christmas period.

Although Andrey Santos, the Ecuadorian’s natural replacement, remains highly-rated by Maresca, he accepts that Chelsea would benefit from an even greater physical presence when Caicedo is unavailable. 

And that has prompted Maresca to recommend The Blues’ recruitment department begin monitoring Luis’ progress at Burnley, where he moved on loan in September.

The Angolan, who has represented Portugal at youth and under-21 level, has made 12 appearances for Scott Parker’s side after leaving Lisbon earlier this year. 

Burnley have negotiated a £24m fee should they decide to make the move permanent. 

That makes him an attractive, relatively cut price option, for The Blues as Maresca looks to bolster his options at the base of their midfield.

On the other hand, Burnley are exploring a move for Leicester City’s Harry Winks, who they view as a potential replacement should Chelsea step in and take over their deal for Luís.

LAVISH

After spending lavishly on other positions, particularly in attacking areas, Chelsea are reluctant to commit big money on drafting in cover for Caicedo given the former Brighton and Hove Albion star is a shoe-in when available. 

On his part, Luis is unlikely to relish the prospect of competing at Championship level as Burnley continue to struggle in their pursuit of top-flight survival. 

And that, if The Clarets do return to the second tier, could persuade him to consider an offer from The Blues even though he knows opportunities would be limited.

Maresca’s famous predecessor Jose Mourinho has shown no inclination to recall Luis since taking charge of Benfica and, given his love for Chelsea, would not look to scupper any future negotiations with them.

Although Luis’ presence has failed to spark an upturn in Burnley’s fortunes, Maresca knows his time at Turf Moor will acclimatise him to English football.