Brighton take major step toward sanctioning huge Chelsea transfer after £40m decision

Brighton have given Chelsea another boost to their hopes of signing Moises Caicedo this summer after making a transfer decision of their own. The defensive midfielder is the priority target for the Blues as Mauricio Pochettino looks to make some key additions to his squad after already sanctioning six exits.

Moves away from Stamford Bridge for Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech and N'Golo Kante have either already been announced or finalised. Sealing those transfers has been the early summer priority for the Blues, but discussions around Mason Mount look set to continue after a third bid from Manchester United was rejected.

The latest proposal from Old Trafford was for £50 million up front with £5m in add-ons. After turning down that offer, Chelsea countered by suggesting a £58m full fee and £7m in add-ons would be better, and now an in-person meeting will be scheduled between the two parties to reach an agreement.

Once that saga has an end result, attention in west London turns completely to Moises Caicedo. A £60m offer was submitted to the Seagulls in early June but that was swiftly rejected and now his exact price tag may be known.

According to CBS Sports, a deal worth £80m, plus £10m in add-ons, for Caicedo 'appears possible'. The report also outlines that those close to Caicedo insist that their client shouldn't be going for anything more than what Real Madrid paid for Aurelien Tchouameni (£86m).

Brighton's own movements in the market have now given Chelsea a significant boost. According to Fabrizio Romano, Ajax star Mohammed Kudus is a concrete target for Roberto De Zerbi, although no official talks or offers have taken place.

READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Medical ongoing, Mason Mount anger, Kai Havertz farewell

As a versatile midfielder, Kudus has previously been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal but Kai Havertz looks to be the man Mikel Arteta wants to fill the Granit Xhaka void. With the Gunners likely out of the race, Brighton may face no competition for his signature, but Chelsea themselves have also listed Kudus as one of their options to replace Havertz.

Not moving for Kudus could actually be the best decision for those in west London as it increases the chances of him going to Amex Stadium. Man United have also enquired about the Ghana international, but are currently focused on signing Mount with a new striker and central defender also wanted by Erik ten Hag.

His contract expires in 2025 and he recently rejected a one-year contract extension, as per the Athletic. with the Dutch giants expected to demand a fee in the region of £40m for the talented playmaker.