Chelsea have held talks with Brighton regarding Moises Caicedo every day since last Friday but still appear no closer to signing their priority target. The Blues held a firm interest in the Ecuador international heading into the summer window but sealing numerous outgoings was the first job on Mauricio Pochettino's to-do list.
Just under three weeks into the opening day of the summer trading period and it's fair to say Chelsea have certainly been successful in their planned squad exodus.
Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all had their departures confirmed with the Blues managing to raise just under £150 million thus far, although the sale of Mason Mount to Manchester United will take see that sum rise over £200m.
After completing his medical at Carrington on Monday, Mount's exit is expected to be announced in the coming days and with Pochettino officially starting his new job this week, major developments could take place involving arrivals.
Slow progress looks to have been made involving Caicedo with conversations between Chelsea and Brighton taking place throughout the weekend. Despite Arsenal's £105m proposal for Declan Rice possibly clouding the midfield market, Chelsea remain hopeful that £80m will be enough to sign Caicedo, according to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg.
The Seagulls rejected two offers from Arsenal worth that sum in the January transfer window, but Caicedo signing a new contract strangely increased the chances of a summer exit. It is unknown exactly what clause is in his new deal but it's been made clear that obtaining a move will be easier if the right offer arrives which Brighton do not currently think Chelsea are providing.
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When speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said: "The negotiations are direct between Chelsea and Brighton. I can confirm that they spoke on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and also on Monday.
"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."
Achievable add-ons could be key in Chelsea striking a deal for the price they would be happy with, however Brighton currently demanding more likely means that the Blues will have to increase their planned offer if they want the Seagulls to accept it.
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