Chelsea top target could be hijacked by Liverpool if €52m transfer transpires

Chelsea’s top transfer target for this summer is undoubtedly Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. At some point of time in the transfer window, it was expected that the Blues will initiate the talks to sign Caicedo.

Initially, CFC tried to sign Manuel Ugarte and were in talks to sign striker Nicolas Jackson. Then, the attention shifted to offloading players who were not part of the future project. After an intense yet successful week of outgoings and securing Jackson, CFC finally opened the file for Caicedo. The West London outfit had been admirers of the Ecuadorian since the January transfer window. They even tested Brighton’s waters but the Seagulls were not interested in selling Caicedo midseason.

The 21 year old was always expected to leave in the summer and he had a gentlemen’s agreement with Roberto Di Zerbi that he would be allowed to leave if an offer came in. Arsenal were also interested but Declan Rice was their first priority. Chelsea were growing confident that they could get the deal done as there were no issues on the player’s side. Caicedo had agreed to personal terms with CFC and now the Blues needed to agree on a transfer fee with Brighton.

Chelsea could face Liverpool competition for Moises Caicedo

This has proven to be a stumbling block as the negotiations have been proceeding very slowly. The West London outfit want to get the deal done in the region of £80 million, whereas Brighton want the total package to be towards £100 million. The negotiations continue as fixed amount, add-ons, payment structure continues to be discussed.

However, there could be dark clouds over Chelsea heads as there is a potential risk of hijack. According to talkSPORT, Liverpool could join the race for Caicedo if Fabinho and Jordan Henderson leave for Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool midfield duo Fabinho and Henderson are being courted by Saudi Arabian clubs. Al Ettifaq announced the arrival of Steven Gerrard as the new manager and the Liverpool legend wants to bring Henderson to the Middle East nation. The 33 year old has already agreed to a transfer to Saudi Arabia and now Liverpool and Al Ettifaq must agree on a transfer fee.

Fabinho, on the other hand, has been generating interest from Al Ittihad. Al Ittihad manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, has been pushing for Fabinho as contact has been made with the Brazilian’s entourage. So far, LFC have not received any formal proposals. Henderson is valued at €10 million and Fabinho is valued at €42 million by Transfermarkt.

In case the duo leaves, LFC will need ball winning midfielder and could enter the race for Caicedo. Chelsea need to buck up and get the deal done quickly or they run the risk of entering an unnecessary transfer battle.

Will CFC succeed in signing Moises Caicedo?