Moises Caicedo insists he did not think twice about completing a move to Chelsea following their frantic transfer battle with Liverpool.
At one stage late last week the Blues looked to be in serious danger of missing out on their top summer target despite weeks of protracted negotiations with Brighton, with Liverpool swooping into the race and seeing a mammoth bid worth £110million accepted.
However, Caicedo only ever had eyes for Chelsea, who duly upped their bid to a staggering £115m - £100m up front plus a further £15m in add-ons - and agreed a lengthy eight-year contract with the Ecuador midfielder that includes the option for a further 12 months beyond that.
The 21-year-old passed a medical and formally completed his high-profile switch on Monday night, expressing his delight at finally joining his favoured club having also been the subject of multiple bids from Arsenal in January.
Transfer live blog! Follow all the latest Chelsea news and rumours
Caicedo told the official Chelsea website: “I am so happy to join Chelsea! I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club. It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team.”
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “Moises has proved himself as a standout player in European football over the past 18 months, and we are thrilled to add him to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
“Moises possesses a rare midfield skill set and is a player we’ve been targeting for some time. We believe he will make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge this season – and in the years ahead.”
Brighton also confirmed Caicedo’s move on Monday, with technical director David Weir insisting that Chelsea have signed one of the best midfield talents on the planet.
“Chelsea are getting one of the top midfielders in the world. Moises has been one of our exceptional players over the past 18 months,” said Weir.
“We’d like to thank him for his performances for us, which helped this team to two record finishes in the Premier League, and we wish him well for the future.”
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom added: “Moises expressed a strong desire to move on, and at that point it was crucial our valuation was met in full.
“I’d like to thank him for his exceptional performances for the club, and I wish him all the best going forward.”
