Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Chelsea going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Blues.
Chelsea 'agree' Mateo Kovacic transfer
Chelsea have agreed a deal to sell Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City for £34million ($43.5million) according to a report. The Croatian has just over 12 months left on his deal that was signed in 2019 after completing a permanent move to Stamford Bridge for £40million ($51.2m).
Pep Guardiola has long been an admirer of the former Real Madrid and Inter man and has seemingly found a deal that benefits all parties.
football.london says: For Chelsea this has to be the start of something much bigger. Kovacic can only be the first outgoing of many to come with as many as 15 players expected to leave.
To get such a fee for a player that has already hit his peak, been playing through injuries for several seasons and has been far from top form is a good piece of business. Getting the deal done early is another bonus as well with no lingering doubt in the mind of Mauricio Pochettino.
Moises Caicedo pact
Roberto De Zerbi informed Moises Caicedo that he could leave Brighton this summer as early as February, says Fabrizio Romano. The Ecuador midfielder is expected to be sold by the Seagulls this summer with Chelsea in prime position now to make the 21-year-old their statement signing.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Moises Caicedo 'close', Declan Rice hijack, Havertz exit
They are now said to be progressing with talks with Caicedo and are close to agreeing personal terms. There is still a distance to go to reach such a stage with the club themselves over a price, though. Chelsea have already seen a £70million ($89.7m) bid rejected for him in January and have been initially given a massive £100million ($124m) valuation for him.
Romano says that Todd Boehly and Co are 'hopeful' of negotiating that fee down but it will take time to find a middle ground with Tony Bloom.
football.london says: Brighton are tough to work with and are stubborn in their approach to selling players but Chelsea themselves drive a hard bargain and can hardly complain. They are attempting to buy one of the best young midfielders on the planet from a team that have just had the best season in their history, they can count themselves lucky that it now looks to be a one-horse race.
Caicedo has a huge price tag but it won't be impossible to bring that down. Either by including Conor Gallagher in a deal or by selling him seperately to the south coast club there is a chance to bring down that fee. With the player and club both open to have a transfer completed, Chelsea are in a good position to make something happen.
Who should Chelsea keep or sell this summer? Have your say below!
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