Although Chelsea are competing with Arsenal and Liverpool for the transfers of some of the most admired young midfielders on the planet and there is a risk of missing out on their first-choice targets, there is an upside for the Blues. Such is the current state of the market and the financial strain on clubs, plus attention on FFP (Financial Fair Play), Chelsea are sure to remain in the conversation.
Be it Enzo Fernandez (wanted by Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City), Moises Caicedo (a firm target for Arsenal and Liverpool) or Declan Rice (Arsenal and Liverpool once more) there are plenty of players to go around, so to speak. Although Chelsea themselves are keen to sign at least two midfielders between now and next season it will be hard to get two of that esteemed set.
That doesn't mean there aren't other options though, with Edson Alvarez still of interest, Romeo Lavia on the radar and even Sheffield United's Sander Berge. There will undoubtedly be even more being considered at this point too.
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It's Caicedo that is at the centre of attention currently. The Ecuador international has already had a bid worth £55m rejected from the Blues whilst Arsenal themselves have made an offer of £60m which was also turned down quickly. Brighton value him at closer to £75m and aren't interested in selling him unless a replacement could come in.
At this stage of the window, it will be a tough deal for either side to complete even if Caicedo hands in a transfer request as reports have suggested he might in order to force a move across the line. What this does do however is show Chelsea where Arsenal's priorities lay.
With Rice now closer to joining the Gunners in North London than moving to Stamford Bridge their sudden turn and interest in Caicedo may well act as a boost for Todd Boehly. Should Caicedo complete a transfer to the Emirates Stadium then it opens up the chance for Chelsea to go in strongly for Rice.
Although Mikel Arteta's men themselves may also be plotting an ambitious double swoop for both Caicedo and Rice it will surely leave the path a little clearer for Chelsea no matter which way it goes.
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