Moises Caicedo has confirmed that he would be open to joining Chelsea in a recent interview. The 21-year-old midfielder is the Blues' primary target, football.london understands, and they're aware he could cost in the region of £80million.
Arsenal were interested in Caicedo back in January, but have since cooled their interest in the Ecuador international this summer. Manchester United were among the clubs to be linked with a move for Caicedo but no formal approach has been made by Erik ten Hag's side.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest information regarding the Blues' pursuit of the Ecuadorian international.
Deal is a 'matter of time'
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has given Chelsea reason to be excited with regards to a deal which he says is 'only a matter of time' before it is completed.
“Chelsea will keep trying for Caicedo because he is their number one target and he wants to move to Chelsea," Di Marzio told wettfreunde.net.
“His agents have already got Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea and Roberto De Zerbi has decided that Caicedo will not be part of his team anymore. It’s only a matter of time and price.
“Brighton are a tough team to negotiate with. Once they decide the price of a player they keep going and stick to that. They know that Chelsea will pay when they want a player.
“It’s only a question of time with Chelsea even though Bayern also had interest in Caicedo. The money that Brighton wants is too high even for a club like Bayern.”
Caicedo breaks silence
Moises Caicedo has confirmed that he is open to joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Blues are currently in talks with Brighton as they look to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder.
Caicedo could cost Chelsea a fee in the region of £80million as Mauricio Pochettino looks to strengthen his midfield options.
“It’s a big team, that’s true," Caicedo said. "A very historic team and I can’t say no because it’s a very big, historic, beautiful team. The city as well is beautiful," he told TCTELEVISION.
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Bid delay explained
Chelsea have been direct in negotiations with Brighton over the transfer of Moises Caicedo for a number of weeks, but according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano no official bid being sent is normal.
"The only thing I can say is that there are negotiations," he revealed on the Mark Goldbridge That's Football YouTube channel. "Chelsea and Brighton are in contact and they will be in contact again this week to discuss Moises Caicedo.
"As I've explained this is a different kind of negotiation, there is not a daily official bid and then official answer. They are in direct contact and this is a different kind of communication. It seems really quiet but it is not quiet at all. They are discussing and so this week there will be new conversations for Caicedo.
"Then it really depends on Brighton, because obviously the player wants to go and Chelsea are ready to welcome him as soon as possible, but they are waiting for Brighton to give the green light at the right conditions."
Pulisic windfall
Chelsea still have major surgery left to be done when it comes to arrivals and the sale of Christian Pulisic now takes their total summer incomings to a staggering £236million ($302.9m) having not yet come close to finishing. Caicedo is the primary target and, though progressing at a snail's pace, is now open season for Chelsea to pursue.
He is the main player that funds are much needed for. A striker, be that Dusan Vlahovic, Rasmus Hojlund or even Victor Osimhen, is the next area of serious concern. Finding another midfielder to partner Caicedo and go alongside Enzo Fernandez, perhaps Romeo Lavia, is then the third...
Read the full story here.
Agreement claim
Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the Caicedo saga, claiming that the Blues and Brighton are looking to find a solution on the potential transfer fee, although it could be as soon as next week considering the player has already said yes to the move.
When speaking about Chelsea's pursuit of Caicedo on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano said: "Direct conversation with Brighton, so more than sending an official bid every day it’s about discussing and trying to find a way together.
"Brighton know that Moises Caicedo wants to go, Brighton know every well since February that Moises Caicedo signed a new deal but he had the green light from Roberto De Zerbi to leave in the summer. Let’s say that they will try to find a solution altogether to make this happen. Of course, Caicedo has already said yes to Chelsea.
"It’s still not agreed between clubs, but could be next week. Let’s see what happens next days. For sure, Chelsea are very convinced by Moises Caicedo. He’s the top target."
Caicedo breaks silence
Caicedo has broken the silence over his future this summer. "It's a very great emotion [being linked with a move]," he told Maria Jose Flores. "What guy wouldn't want them to be talking about him?"
He also spoke about the pressure of being talked about at the centre of a big money move. "I know how to handle it. I don't get carried away by emotions. I'm enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me."
On Ecuador and new Chelsea midfield Kendry Paez, he said: "Kendry is a star. Watching him play is a pleasure.
"It's good to see those talents in Ecuador. We know that we have good youth. I am very happy for him, for everything he is doing, for how he is working. May he continue on the right path and go far. He has the talent."
Pochettino on transfers
Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on the transfer activity of Chelsea this summer. With players continuing to leave the club both before and after his official start date (July ), there has been much upheaval.
Caicedo remains the priority incoming for the window, football.london understands, and has spoken out on transfer discussions taking place. "I think it is better if I clarify the situaton," he said.
"When we met for first time, and agreed to start work on July. Laurence and Paul represent the plans for the squad. They showed me the transition plan, they start to work, the club start to work. It is doing a fantastic job and I am happy. From now, from the 1st of July I am more involved, I want to work with them."
He also spoke of building a balanced squad, adding: "It is important to finish the squad and have a balanced squad." He later said: "We are going to have a squad of players who can deliver."
New price tag
Brighton have set a new price tag on Moises Caicedo that totals over £100million, according to a report from the Telegraph. The Ecuadorian international has been linked with a huge move to Chelsea this summer, often in the region of £80million, after he signed a new deal.
However Declan Rice's move to Arsenal, that's set to be completed for £105million in the coming days, is said to have a huge impact on the valuation set by the Seagulls.
Direct talks revealed
Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Moises Caicedo with frequent negotiations now taking place directly with Brighton. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two parties have happened on every single day since last Friday.
£75million agreement
Chelsea are at the 'final stage' of negotiations with Brighton for the transfer of Moises Caicedo, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti. His update reveals that £75million has been agreed as the fixed fee for a summer move and that add-ons are now being discussed by the two parties.
Path free
Chelsea have been handed yet another boost in their attempts to sign Caicedo as Liverpool look to bring in their second midfielder of the window.
Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed a deal to join the Reds in a big-money move from RB Leipzig. It now appears that the Hungary star will be heading to Anfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister as the Reds become the latest side to make midfield additions.
This leaves Chelsea with even more of a free run at Caicedo, who remains their priority, as Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all find their own success in deals for Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Declan Rice.
Formal approach
United are expected to formally approach Brighton for the transfer of Caicedo after making initial contact this week, according to Sky Sports. The report states that the Red Devils' focus remains on Mason Mount, with a £55million offer still on the table, but Chelsea have been driving a hard bargain for the Englishman.
Talks set to begin
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton for the Ecuadorian in the next day or two. The report states that personal terms shouldn't be an issue, however the Seagulls are expected to play hardball and hold out for as much as they can.
Old Trafford dream
Caicedo has already revealed that it's his dream to play for Manchester United, delivering a stinging blow to Chelsea's hopes of signing the Brighton star. In a press conference during his time at Independiente del Valle, the midfielder confirmed his dream of representing the Red Devils.
"My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow," he said, as quoted by the Express. "With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things."
Chelsea stance
According to The Times, Chelsea have told Brighton that they will not meet the asking price of more than £80million for Caicedo. Manchester United have now entered the race for the Ecuadorian midfielder after contacting his representatives as they pursue alternative targets to Mason Mount.
United interest
Manchester United have switched focus from Mason Mount to Caicedo this summer, according to The Times. The Red Devils had their most recent bid for Mount rejected, resulting in an approach for Caicedo, who will be more costly to sign, but at a younger age and on a longer contract.
Price tag clue
Chelsea have been given a major Caicedo price tag clue as the Blues prepare to send their second formal bid of the summer window. According to CBS Sports, a deal worth £80 million, plus £10m in add-ons, for the midfielder 'appears possible'.
The report also outlines that those close to Caicedo insist that their client shouldn't be going for anything more than what Real Madrid paid for Aurelien Tchouameni (£86m).
Caicedo concern
Caicedo is not the only Premier League midfielder likely to be on the move this summer with Declan Rice also likely to leave West Ham. Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature, but that could change with Manchester City preparing a bid to sign the Hammers captain, as football.london understands.
The Gunners losing out on Rice to Man City could result in them heading back in for Caicedo which would not spell good news for Chelsea as they cannot offer any European football, whereas Arsenal, who bid for the 21-year-old in January, can.
Real Madrid bid
Chelsea appear to have reignited their interest in Aurelien Tchouameni, a year after Real Madrid hijacked a move to sign the midfielder. The 23-year-old faces a somewhat uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu following the arrival of Jude Bellingham, who became the second most expensive signing in the club's history.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Blues have already tabled an opening bid of €60million (£51.4m) for the France international this summer, but it was swiftly turned down. The report states that Chelsea are now considering whether or not to raise their offer to €80m (£68.5m), which could tempt Real Madrid. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the Blues want both Tchouameni and Caicedo or just one...
Swap deal
With a move for Caicedo potentially costing a hefty fee for Chelsea, the idea of swap deals with Brighton continues to be touted. According to Fabrizio Romano, striker Armando Broja won't be included in any deal after reports linked the Cobham academy graduate with a move to the Seagulls.
A report from the Guardian does claim that Conor Gallagher could be included in any deal though, while the future of Levi Colwill is also in discussion.
Secret bid
According to The Athletic, Chelsea submitted a £60million offer to the Seagulls just two weeks ago, coming as something of a 'secret' bid after radio silence on it. While this offer appears to have been rejected, it suggests that perhaps the move is further along than once thought.
Arsenal pull-out
Arsenal have backed out of attempting to sign Caicedo this summer, leaving Chelsea in pole position to sign the Brighton star. The Gunners had a first bid for fellow midfield target Declan Rice turned down and have made him their priority instead.
According to The Times, Arsenal have withdrawn themselves from the race to sign Caicedo but instead Manchester United have taken their place.
Arteta plan
As per The Evening Standard, it is Caicedo's versatility that makes him such an attractive prospect. Arteta is said to believe that the young midfielder can play as both a no.6, as well as further forward in the free-roaming no.8 role and he even operated as a right-back during the latter part of the 2022/23 campaign.
But signing both Caicedo and primary midfield target Rice could cost the north Londoners close to £200 million, something that would likely require significant sales considering Arteta is also looking to strengthen his backline this summer.
Brighton fear
Caicedo's Brighton team-mate Pervis Estupinan has admitted he is worried his fellow Ecuador international will leave the Seagulls this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked, with the two London sides appearing most likely to sign Caicedo.
It is possible that Caicedo remains at Brighton, but his club and national team-mate Estupinan has hinted that occurring is unlikely. As quoted by ESPN, he said: "I think that having a player of Moi’s category, many teams would like him.
"We all fear that he will leave us . As I have always talked to him, if he stays I will be very happy to play next to him, to continue enjoying his football."
Mega money demand
As per the Telegraph, Brighton are demanding 'significantly more' than £70million if they are to part ways with Caicedo this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all said to be interested in in the versatile midfielder, with Liverpool also potentially joining the race to sign him depending on their financial situation.
De Zerbi stance
Roberto De Zerbi has offered a fresh stance on Caicedo's future. When asked if the Ecuadorian was going to leave Brighton, the Italian replied: "I didn’t say it like this. I said it could be a possibility to lose some big players like Caicedo, Mac Allister and Mitoma.
"We are Brighton and I know the policy of our club, my club. We have to be ready to bring other good players with the right characteristic, the right condition of our club."
Following the Seagulls' 3-0 win against Arsenal, De Zerbi said: "For sure we will lose some players [this summer], maybe [Moises] Caicedo and [Alexis] Mac Allister. We have to be ready to bring in more good players and for the others; [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Pervis] Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us."
Caicedo contract
In a shock turn of events, Caicedo committed his long-term future to Brighton in February. A statement from Brighton read: "Moises Caicedo has committed his long-term future to the Albion by agreeing a new contract that runs until 2027, with a club option for an extra year."
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