Despite having already welcomed six new faces to Chelsea this month, Todd Boehly appears keen to continue his winter spending spree. And, the Blues seem intent on signing a new midfielder as Graham Potter looks to further bolster his side.
Enzo Fernandez emerged as the west Londoners' primary target but, after seeing several proposals rejected by Benfica, their attention swiftly turned to Moises Caicedo. The Chelsea boss handed the Ecuador international his breakthrough on the Premier League stage and he's now eyeing a reunion.
But, despite the Blues' mission to sign the 21-year-old, they face tough competition from Arsenal. And, the Gunners appear eager to exact their revenge after the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk was snatched from their grasp.
READ MORE: Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool handed fresh Moises Caicedo transfer stance amid January interest
So, with that being said, football.london brings you up to speed with the latest on his potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Roberto De Zerbi talks
According to Fabrizio Romano, Caicedo has entered talks with higher-ups at Brighton and Roberto De Zerbi in order for them to allow him to leave. With just a few days left of the January transfer window, it is a race against time for the midfielder to leave - should he wish to.
Caicedo choice
The Daily Mail report that Caicedo has had his head turned by the interest this window and that he wants to push through a move to either Chelsea or Arsenal in the final week of the January window.
It is written that Caicedo would be prepared to hand in a transfer request in order to force through a deal. Brighton face Liverpool in the FA Cup over the weekend and his involvement will be a clear indicator as to how things are progressing.
Bid rejected
It didn't take long, having made the value of £75m clear this window the Athletic are reporting that Brighton have swiftly rejected the £60m bid.
David Ornstein wrote: "Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected a bid of £60m fixed from Arsenal for Moises Caicedo. #AFC targeting Ecuador int’l [international] to strengthen midfield + interest remains, despite #BHAFC insisting 21yo [year-old] is not for sale."
New Arsenal bid
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have made a late swoop to sign Caicedo this month. Arteta's men are after a midfielder following their failure to get one at the end of the summer window.
Romano writes: "Arsenal have submitted £60m bid to sign Moises Caicedo as new midfielder. Chelsea had £55m verbal proposal rejected this January as Brighton hope to keep the player — but Arsenal are now pushing. Negotiations enter into key stages for Caicedo’s future."
Caicedo admission
In a recent interview, Caicedo himself delivered an update on his future where he insists his current focus is only on Brighton.
Speaking to the Brighton's official club website, he said: "I am here, I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I’m focused only on here," he said. "I handle [the speculation] well.
"You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week."
Arsenal hijack
Arsenal are 'ready' to rival Chelsea for Brighton talent Moises Caicedo as both London teams look to sign a new midfielder.
The Blues are thought to still be pursuing a deal for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez, which could allow the Gunners to hijack a move for Caicedo and get revenge after Mykhailo Mudryk moved to Stamford Bridge after being heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
£55m bid rejected
Chelsea have seen two offers upwards of £55million rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls are said to value their star midfielder at a far higher price, demanding a fee closer to £70million, with Brighton keen on not losing him in the middle of the 2022/23 season.
Replacement identified
Brighton's latest movement in the transfer market has handed a major boost to Chelsea that they will be able to agree a deal for Moises Caicedo either this month or in the summer.
As revealed by Daniel Kristoffersson, the Seagulls have agreed a deal to sign AIK midfielder Yasin Ayari for £5.3million, with the 18-year-old viewed as the long-term successor to Caicedo in the same way the Ecuador international was to Yves Bissouma.
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