Moises Caicedo has been Chelsea’s top transfer priority this summer. The Blues want to remodel their midfield and find a perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez and view Caicedo as an ideal player to thrive in Mauricio Pochettino’s system at Chelsea.
Chelsea tried to sign Caicedo in the winter transfer window but failed in the pursuit as Brighton were reluctant to let him go. Caicedo ended up signing a new deal at Brighton and his departure was expected to take place in the summer. Arsenal were also interested but the Gunners have managed to sign Declan Rice, leaving CFC as favourites to sign Caicedo.
The Blues have already agreed to personal terms with the Ecuadorian midfielder and no other side have a chance despite links to Liverpool and Manchester United. Once Chelsea offloaded several players in a short span of time, the West London outfit finally began talks with Brighton for reaching an agreement.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali to meet Brighton chiefs for Moises Caicedo
However, the talks have dragged far too long. Chelsea have seen two of their offers turned down by the Seagulls with their latest offer of £70 million plus add-ons also rejected by Brighton. CFC are hoping to get their deal done in the region of £80 million but the Seagulls want £100 million for their prized asset.
Both the clubs will face each other in the United States of America as a part of their pre-season tour. As CFC take on Brighton at Lincoln Financial Field, according to football.london, Chelsea chiefs Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart along with CFC co-owner Behdad Eghbali will meet the Brighton hierarchy to hold crucial talks over Caicedo’s deal.
Chelsea hope that there will be some significant progress in negotiations after the talks have been very slow despite constant communication in the last few days. Caicedo wants to join CFC but he hasn’t put in a transfer request as of yet. The 21 year old has a gentleman’s agreement with Roberto De Zerbi that if a substantial offer arrives, he’ll be free to leave the Amex Stadium.
Chelsea will need more than just Caicedo to reinforce the midfield. Chelsea’s midfield houses Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Cesare Casadei, Andrey Santos and Carney Chukwuemeka. Casadei and Santos are inexperienced and there is a chance of one of them leaving on loan. Gabri Veiga has also been linked to CFC but at this point, the West London outfit are concentrated on getting Caicedo’s deal over the line.
Will CFC close the deal for Moises Caicedo by the end of the month?