Chelsea look set to hand Arsenal another huge transfer blow as Todd Boehly prepares one final attempt to sign Moises Caicedo this month. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to both Stamford Bridge and the Emirates Stadium as he continues to impress for Brighton.
football.london understands that Caicedo is Arsenal's primary target in Mikel Arteta's mission to sign a midfielder. It's believed Edu has submitted two bids for the Ecuador international but both have been rejected.
It's said that the Blues are also in the market for a new midfielder this month amid the uncertain futures of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, who are both set to leave in the summer once their contracts expire. The former has spent the season injured on the sidelines while the latter has struggled for form, so Caicedo was identified.
READ MORE: Chelsea tipped to complete three deadline day transfers including Enzo Fernandez
It's understood that the west Londoners submitted a formal offer in the region of £55million for the Ecuadorian earlier this month, which was rejected without negotiation. With Brighton insisting that Caicedo is not for sale despite the player's pleas on social media, Chelsea began to prioritise Enzo Fernandez.
Now that a deal for the Benfica star looks close, the Blues are set to revisit talks to sign the Seagulls' prized asset. According to 90min, the Blues will make one last attempt to sign Caicedo once they sign Fernandez.
football.london understands that signing the Argentina international remains Boehly's priority. Chelsea are understood to have held extensive talks yesterday with the Portuguese giants and tabled an offer which is though to be worth in excess of the £105million release clause in the 22-year-old's contract.
However, the fee would be spread out over instalments rather than being paid in full. The Argentine is keen on joining the Blues this month and it's understood that he's reiterated that to Benfica.
Despite there only being a few hours left, football.london understands that there is confidence among an agreement will be reached but the Eagles are yet to communicate their decision. If Chelsea can also hijack Arsenal's move for Caicedo then the Blues will have snatched two of Arteta's primary targets this month.
The Gunners were once destined to sign Mykhailo Mudryk but the Blues swooped in and wrapped up a deal in a matter of hours. Edu will be hoping that he can level the score with Boehly in the January transfer window as Arsenal look to defend their place at the top of the Premier League.
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