Well, there have been a few surprises surrounding Chelsea's transfer activity in the past few days. First of all, they lost out in the Xavi Simons race despite leading all summer and having agreed personal terms with the player for weeks. And while it looks like they are set to sign an alternative, it is one that might disappoint fans.
It was just earlier today that news broke out, almost out of the blue, that Chelsea were closing in on a deal for Facundo Buonanotte. There was no mention of what kind of transfer fee that would involve, and now we know why. It is not even going to be a permanent signing.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Buonanotte to Chelsea move has been given the 'here we go'. The deal is in place with a loan move, and there’s no buy option clause included. The Blues will have a chance to match future bids and get the Argentine if they can agree with Brighton & Hove Albion.
This is perhaps the most confusing signing that Chelsea have made in recent years. They have brought in a player from Brighton & Hove Albion who was not even starting regularly on loan at Leicester City last season, as they got relegated. And not only that, it is a dry loan deal.
'Here we go' - Fabrizio Romano confirms surprise Chelsea loan signing
Well, there can be only two reasons for this Buonanotte deal out of nowhere. At least that is our theory.
One, Chelsea have not been able to bring in the funds that they had expected from departures. As a result, they had to choose between Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons, and they went for the former. And as they needed a number 10, they brought in Buonanotte on loan for the season.
Two, Chelsea have decided that the centre-back position is in more urgent need of reinforcements than the number 10 role, which can be filled in by Joao Pedro as well, as we saw against West Ham United. So, they brought in a backup option there in Buonanotte and will target a central defender in the last few days of the summer transfer window.
Those are only two possible scenarios in which the events of the past few days make sense. But perhaps there is some other possibility that we cannot figure out. That will become very clear by the time deadline day ends.