Chelsea are in advanced negotiations with Polish club Motor Lublin over the signing of highly-rated Nigerian centre-back Bright Ede — a deal that could see the Premier League side break the Ekstraklasa’s all-time transfer record, footynaija.com reports.
The 18-year-old left-footed defender, also on Arsenal’s radar, is valued at more than €11 million. If completed, the move would eclipse the previous record transfer from Poland’s top flight.
Talks reportedly took place in late May when Chelsea representatives were in Wroclaw for the UEFA Conference League final. According to Polish outlet Meczyki, officials from both clubs held a discreet meeting in a local hotel to outline terms of a potential deal.
Ede is attracting widespread interest, with Arsenal sending scouts to monitor him during Motor Lublin’s 3-2 win over Radomiak Radom on May 24 — a match where the teenager featured prominently before being subbed off in stoppage time.
Motor Lublin only recently signed the defender from Zaglebie Lubin for €100,000 after contract talks with his former club broke down. Despite having made just six senior appearances — scoring once — Ede has shown immense promise, with his composure, aerial ability and left-footed balance setting him apart.
He is eligible to represent both Poland and Nigeria and has already featured twice for Poland’s U18 national team. On social media, Ede follows the Nigerian Super Eagles closely, suggesting a strong connection to his roots.