Chelsea are now leading the race for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Ecuador international has been on the Blues’ radar for some time. Also, Arsenal have been heavily linked with the Seagulls star.
However, with the Gunners’ focus on Declan Rice, Chelsea are now the favourites to sign Caicedo this summer.
This was confirmed by Romano on Thursday. On Twitter, he wrote: “Chelsea are working hard on Moisés Caicedo deal. Talks have been taking place for weeks.
“Nothing done yet. Chelsea have always been the frontrunners despite rumours of an Arsenal bid in the last weeks. Arsenal’s focus remains on Declan Rice and Havertz.”
The news will come as a major boost for Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to lose several midfielders this summer.
For instance, N’Golo Kante has already agreed to sign for Saudi club Al Ittihad and Mateo Kovacic has agreed personal terms with Manchester City.
Also, Mason Mount is still being chased by Manchester United, despite Chelsea rejecting an opening offer of £40m.
Therefore, Pochettino is looking to sign at least one new midfielder this summer. Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte was thought to be his priority, but, he now looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
As a result, Chelsea have switched their attention back to Caicedo, who they have approached in the past.
Indeed, as reported by Football365, Chelsea held a firm interest in Caicedo back in January. Also, Arsenal saw a bid of £70m rejected for the 21-year-old.
Roberto de Zerbi refused to sell Caicedo at the time. In fact, the Ecuadorian signed a contract extension with Brighton in March, keeping him at the club until 2027.
Nevertheless, as per Romano’s report, Chelsea are ‘working hard’ to sign Caicedo this summer.
In 2022/23, Caicedo made 37 Premier League appearances for Brighton, scoring one goal and making one assist.
Generally operating as a defensive midfielder, the youngster’s best attributes are in breaking up opposition attacks. Overall, he averaged 2.7 successful tackles per game and 1.5 interceptions.
So, Caicedo could be the ideal long-term replacement for Kante at Chelsea. With the player keen on making the switch, the only thing left to negotiate is his transfer fee.
Brighton will reportedly demand offers well in excess of £70m for Caicedo this summer. Therefore, Chelsea will have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal over the line.
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