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.
Mount replacement
Chelsea will reportedly make a move for Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga if Mason Mount completes his move to Manchester United this summer.
Mount has been the subject of strong speculation in recent months and his move to Manchester seemed to take a step closer on Thursday. football.london understands a deal worth £60 million ($75m) has been agreed between the two clubs.
Should Mount's medical and personal terms all be agreed, the Blues will make a move for their top target in Veiga according to the Evening Standard.
The Spanish prodigy has a release clause of £34.6m ($43.6m) and is viewed as the perfect attacking midfield reinforcement.
football.london says: Imagining Chelsea without Mason Mount is difficult but an exit is seeming to be the only likely outcome this summer. If and when the move goes through, Veiga would be the perfect candidate to replace him next season.
The Celta star has received plenty of praise for his performances in Spain and at only $43m, the Blues would be silly not to make an official approach. The fact that the recruitment team are already structuring plans to replace Mount is positive reading.
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If Chelsea recoup $69m for Mount and pay only half of that fee on Veiga, I think many will agree it would be good business.
Man United make Caicedo approach
Manchester United are expected to make their first approach for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Red Devils are prioritising a move for Mount and a new striker, but it's said they have made initial contact for the Ecuadorian this week.
Chelsea have been scouting Caicedo for some time and have been viewed as frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old. However, no official bid has been put on the table and they are now expected to compete with Erik ten Hag's side.
football.london says: Just as was the case in January, Chelsea aren't alone in the race to sign Caicedo. Man United, like many of the Premier League's elite, are in desperate need of new blood in midfield and Caicedo's performances for Brighton mean he is a tempting choice.
Chelsea haven't hid their desire to pay above the odds for players since Todd Boehy's arrival. However, they remain some distance apart from agreeing a deal with Brighton. It's said the defensive midfielder will cost $100m and it's highly unlikely that the Seagulls will move away from their stubborn negotiating stance.
Man United's interest in Caicedo does provide an unwanted problem. Champions League football will return to Old Trafford next season and it won't be at Chelsea. That is one thing completely out of the Blues' control and could prove pivotal.
