Chelsea could now focus on signing £80m man after Manuel Ugarte deal collapse

Chelsea are no longer in the race to sign Manuel Ugarte. At one stage it looked like the deal was imminent and CFC would get their transfer target but the Blues have now pulled out of the deal and the transfer has collapsed. With Ugarte no longer coming to Stamford Bridge, CFC must turn their attention to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

CFC and PSG were in battle for Ugarte. Both sides were willing to meet the €60 million release clause but PSG were offering a higher salary. CFC upped their financial package to €3.5 million a year but in the end Ugarte agreed the PSG deal where he would pocket €5 million a season.

Mauricio Pochettino wants a central midfielder who can partner Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea are expected to undergo a midfield revolution but they have hit a bump early on as Ugarte deal has now collapsed. CFC also have other midfielders on their list and now it’s time to shift their attention to other targets. Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is appreciated, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone is also admired but CFC’s top priority is Brighton’s most prized asset, Caicedo.

Chelsea must focus on signing Moises Caicedo

CFC have been tracking the Ecuadorian for a long time and even launched an offer in the January transfer window. The Seagulls were reluctant to let Caicedo leave in January but are willing to sanction a sale for the right price in the summer. The 21 year old is also on the radar of Arsenal.

According to a report from football.london, Brighton are willing to sell Caicedo but it will take around £80 million for any interested party to convince the Seagulls. Arsenal saw a £70 million bid turned down in January so Chelsea will have to make a higher bid for Caicedo.

Chelsea have been well informed about Caicedo’s situation since May and sooner or later they will become proactive in the Ecuadorian’s chase. As per journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool will not make any bids for the 21 year old and are not in the race.

Caicedo signed a new deal with Brighton in March, so the Seagulls will play hardball and try to get the maximum amount for their asset. If Arsenal are successful in their pursuit of Declan Rice, CFC will not face huge competition from the Gunners for the Brighton midfielder. The Blues from London will have to move quickly or they may even lose out on Caicedo.

Will the Blues manage to sign Moises Caicedo?