Chelsea are planning a midfield revolution this summer and they have already started to pull strings to make it happen. Manuel Ugarte and Moises Caicedo are the top two midfield transfer targets and CFC remains in contention to sign both players.
In the case of Ugarte, the Blues are in a tussle with PSG to convince the Uruguayan. Both the teams are willing to meet the €60 million release clause but PSG are offering a greater financial package offered to the 22 year old. PSG have offered him a €5 million per year contract whereas CFC’s improved contract offer will see him earn €3.5 million per season. Ugarte is attracted by the sporting project at Stamford Bridge and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.
Despite Chelsea being focused on Ugarte for now, they are very much in the running for Brighton’s Caicedo. The Ecuadorian has been on Chelsea’s shortlist for a long time. Back in the winter transfer window, the Blues pushed to sign Caicedo but their proposals were knocked back by the Seagulls. Ultimately, CFC succeeded in their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez but they never ceded their interest in Caicedo.
Chelsea are willing to send Colwill on loan as part of Moises Caicedo deal
Arsenal and Liverpool also admire Caicedo but Arsenal’s priority is to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United. CFC are currently focused on Ugarte and once that deal is completed, they will shift their attention towards Caicedo.
Brighton are prepared to sell the 21 year old in the summer but are looking for a fee upwards of £70 million. The Seagulls wont bring down the price tag easily but CFC do have an advantage in the Caicedo race. Levi Colwill spent the last season on loan at Brighton and was a mainstay in their defence. Impressed by his steely performances, the South Coast side wants to sign Colwill permanently.
In fact, they submitted a £30 million bid which was rejected by Chelsea. Colwill is considered a key player for the Blues in the future and Mauricio Pochettino is in awe of the 20 year old centre back.
CFC have devised a plan to convince Brighton into making Caicedo sale. According to football.london, the Blues will be willing to send Colwill back on loan to Brighton for second straight season as part of the Caicedo deal. CFC are yet to open official talks with Brighton for Caicedo but the option to send Colwill does sound intriguing.
With Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, Kalidou Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah competing for the starting role, Colwill will struggle for game time. Even if Chalobah is sold, the 20 year old will not be guaranteed regular minutes and another loan deal will help aid his development.
Will the Blues succeed in signing Moises Caicedo?