Mauricio Pochettino has been told why Chelsea must complete the signing of Moises Caicedo. The 21-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Brighton, with the Blues determined further bolster their midfield options this summer.
football.london understands that Arsenal tried to sign Caicedo in January, submitting two bids which were swiftly rejected. Despite pushing for an exit, the Ecuador international signed a new deal in March, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until 2027.
At first, it seemed as if his extension would rule out the possibility of a move in the near future, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Chelsea's pursuit of the Ecuadorian building a head of steam. football.london understands that the Blues hold a strong interest in Caicedo, and they're aware he could cost in the region of £80million.
With Arsenal focused on finalising a deal for Declan Rice, Chelsea look well-positioned to secure the midfielder's signature. If the Blues manage to prise Caicedo to Stamford Bridge then they'll be completing as one of the 'best signings of the summer'.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino has tipped the Brighton star to excel in the 'Makelele and Kante role'. The former Blues striker said: "Caicedo fits the bill. He allows Enzo Fernandez to play higher up the pitch, which I think is best suited.
"It’s the [Claude] Makelele role, it’s the [N’Golo] Kante role that he can do. He’s such a great athlete. He gets around the pitch, robs the ball off the opposition all the time, and he sets the play up. I think it will be one of the best signings of the summer if they can get that one over the line."
Gabriel Agbonlahor also expects Caicedo to enjoy an exciting relationship with Enzo Fernandez on the pitch next season. In an interview with Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker said: "Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo would be a great pairing despite them both being young.
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"I watched Caicedo last season, and especially in the Arsenal game at the Emirates, where played right-back and he was still good, so he could even be used in another position. I think if they can add one more midfielder between Caicedo and Fernandez to make a three, they’re going to be a lot better.
"With Chelsea losing both N’Golo Kante and Matteo Kovacic it makes sense to get Caicedo over the line."
