Chelsea's owners, BlueCo, have considered 22-year-old Independiente Del Valle midfielder Patrik Mercado, with the belief that a potential deal would be for their sister club Strasbourg rather than for Chelsea. The Ecuadorian has attracted significant attention, and talks have already taken place with Brazilian clubs Vasco Da Gama and Palmeiras, as well as European sides Wolfsburg, Braga, and Sevilla. In England, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Fulham have also registered their interest, and it is indicated that the three clubs could make formal approaches in the coming weeks.