The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been linked with a summer transfer for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. The talented young midfielder is the Blues' primary target, football.london understands and they're aware he could cost in the region of £80million .
But they could face stiff competition from the Gunners, who tried to sign Caicedo during the January transfer window - submitting two bids which were swiftly rejected by the Seagulls. With Arsenal now fixated on wrapping up a deal for Declan Rice , Chelsea look well positioned to secure Caicedo's signature. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest information regarding the Blues' pursuit of the Ecuadorian international.
Agreement claim
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the Caicedo saga, claiming that the Blues and Brighton are looking to find a solution on the potential transfer fee, although it could be as soon as next week considering the player has already said yes to the move. When speaking about Chelsea's pursuit of Caicedo on the Here We Go Podcast , Romano said:
"Direct conversation with Brighton, so more than sending an official bid every day it’s about discussing and trying to find a way together. Brighton know that Moises Caicedo wants to go, Brighton know every well since February that Moises Caicedo signed a new deal but he had the green light from Roberto De Zerbi to leave in the summer.
"Let’s say that they will try to find a solution altogether to make this happen. Of course, Caicedo has already said yes to Chelsea. "It’s still not agreed between clubs, but could be next week. Let’s see what happens next days. For sure, Chelsea are very convinced by Moises Caicedo. He’s the top target."
Caicedo breaks silence
Caicedo has broken the silence over his future this summer.
"It's a very great emotion [being linked with a move]," he told Maria Jose Flores. "What guy wouldn't want them to be talking about him?" He also spoke about the pressure of being talked about at the centre of a big money move. "I know how to handle it. I don't get carried away by emotions. I'm enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me."
On Ecuador and new Chelsea midfield Kendry Paez, he said:
"Kendry is a star. Watching him play is a pleasure. "It's good to see those talents in Ecuador. We know that we have good youth. I am very happy for him, for everything he is doing, for how he is working. May he continue on the right path and go far. He has the talent."
Pochettino on transfers
Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on the transfer activity of Chelsea this summer. With players continuing to leave the club both before and after his official start date (July ), there has been much upheaval. Caicedo remains the priority incoming for the window, football.london understands, and has spoken out on transfer discussions taking place. "I think it is better if I clarify the situaton," he said.
"When we met for first time, and agreed to start work on July. Laurence and Paul represent the plans for the squad. They showed me the transition plan, they start to work, the club start to work. It is doing a fantastic job and I am happy. From now, from the 1st of July I am more involved, I want to work with them."
He also spoke of building a balanced squad, adding: "It is important to finish the squad and have a balanced squad." He later said: "We are going to have a squad of players who can deliver."
New price tag
Brighton have set a new price tag on Moises Caicedo that totals over £100million, according to a report from the Telegraph . The Ecuadorian international has been linked with a huge move to Chelsea this summer, often in the region of £80million, after he signed a new deal. However Declan Rice's move to Arsenal, that's set to be completed for £105million in the coming days, is said to have a huge impact on the valuation set by the Seagulls.
Fresh Brighton asking price request
Chelsea's hopes of agreeing a deal with Brighton to sign Moises Caicedo for around £80million look to have taken a hit, as per a fresh claim from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. When speaking to his YouTube channel, Romano said:
"They are trying to find a solution together on the price. Chelsea want to get a deal done for around £80million, Brighton want more than this but the negotiations are ongoing."
Direct talks revealed
Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Moises Caicedo with frequent negotiations now taking place directly with Brighton. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two parties have happened on every single day since last Friday.
£75million agreement at 'final stage' Chelsea are at the 'final stage' of negotiations with Brighton for the transfer of Moises Caicedo, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti. His update reveals that £75million has been agreed as the fixed fee for a summer move and that add-ons are now being discussed by the two parties.