Chelsea transfer news: The latest on Moises Caicedo as he faces an uncertain future at Brighton, with Liverpool, Manchester United and the Blues chasing his signature.
Manchester United look set to rival Chelsea for the signature of Moises Caicedo this summer. The 21-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge lately, but Red Devils could hijack a move.
At first, it seemed as if his new deal would rule out a switch in the near future, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Chelsea expected to make a move in the coming days. football.london understands that the Blues hold an interest in the Ecuador international, and they're aware he could cost in the region of £80 million.
New price tag
Brighton have set a new price tag on Moises Caicedo that totals over £100million, according to a report from the Telegraph. The Ecuadorian international has been linked with a huge move to Chelsea this summer, often in the region of £80million, after he signed a new deal.
However Declan Rice's move to Arsenal, that's set to be completed for £105million in the coming days, is said to have a huge impact on the valuation set by the Seagulls.
Fresh Brighton asking price request
Chelsea's hopes of agreeing a deal with Brighton to sign Moises Caicedo for around £80million look to have taken a hit, as per a fresh claim from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
When speaking to his YouTube channel, Romano said: "They are trying to find a solution together on the price. Chelsea want to get a deal done for around £80million, Brighton want more than this but the negotiations are ongoing."
Direct talks revealed
Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Moises Caicedo with frequent negotiations now taking place directly with Brighton.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two parties have happened on every single day since last Friday.
£75million agreement at 'final stage'
Chelsea are at the 'final stage' of negotiations with Brighton for the transfer of Moises Caicedo, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti.
His update reveals that £75million has been agreed as the fixed fee for a summer move and that add-ons are now being discussed by the two parties.
Path free
Chelsea have been handed yet another boost in their attempts to sign Caicedo as Liverpool look to bring in their second midfielder of the window.
Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed a deal to join the Reds in a big-money move from RB Leipzig. It now appears that the Hungary star will be heading to Anfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister as the Reds become the latest side to make midfield additions.
This leaves Chelsea with even more of a free run at Caicedo, who remains their priority, as Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all find their own success in deals for Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Declan Rice.
Formal approach
United are expected to formally approach Brighton for the transfer of Caicedo after making initial contact this week, according to Sky Sports. The report states that the Red Devils' focus remains on Mason Mount, with a £55million offer still on the table, but Chelsea have been driving a hard bargain for the Englishman.
Talks set to begin
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton for the Ecuadorian in the next day or two. The report states that personal terms shouldn't be an issue, however the Seagulls are expected to play hardball and hold out for as much as they can.
Old Trafford dream
Caicedo has already revealed that it's his dream to play for Manchester United, delivering a stinging blow to Chelsea's hopes of signing the Brighton star. In a press conference during his time at Independiente del Valle, the midfielder confirmed his dream of representing the Red Devils.
"My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow," he said, as quoted by the Express. "With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things."
Chelsea stance
According to The Times, Chelsea have told Brighton that they will not meet the asking price of more than £80million for Caicedo. Manchester United have now entered the race for the Ecuadorian midfielder after contacting his representatives as they pursue alternative targets to Mason Mount.
United interest
Manchester United have switched focus from Mason Mount to Caicedo this summer, according to The Times. The Red Devils had their most recent bid for Mount rejected, resulting in an approach for Caicedo, who will be more costly to sign, but at a younger age and on a longer contract.
Price tag clue
Chelsea have been given a major Caicedo price tag clue as the Blues prepare to send their second formal bid of the summer window. According to CBS Sports, a deal worth £80 million, plus £10m in add-ons, for the midfielder 'appears possible'.
The report also outlines that those close to Caicedo insist that their client shouldn't be going for anything more than what Real Madrid paid for Aurelien Tchouameni (£86m).
Caicedo concern
Caicedo is not the only Premier League midfielder likely to be on the move this summer with Declan Rice also likely to leave West Ham. Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature, but that could change with Manchester City preparing a bid to sign the Hammers captain, as football.london understands.
The Gunners losing out on Rice to Man City could result in them heading back in for Caicedo which would not spell good news for Chelsea as they cannot offer any European football, whereas Arsenal, who bid for the 21-year-old in January, can.
Real Madrid bid
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Blues have already tabled an opening bid of €60million (£51.4m) for the France international this summer, but it was swiftly turned down. The report states that Chelsea are now considering whether or not to raise their offer to €80m (£68.5m), which could tempt Real Madrid. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the Blues want both Tchouameni and Caicedo or just one...
Swap deal
With a move for Caicedo potentially costing a hefty fee for Chelsea, the idea of swap deals with Brighton continues to be touted. According to Fabrizio Romano, striker Armando Broja won't be included in any deal after reports linked the Cobham academy graduate with a move to the Seagulls.
A report from the Guardian does claim that Conor Gallagher could be included in any deal though, while the future of Levi Colwill is also in discussion.
Secret bid
According to The Athletic, Chelsea submitted a £60million offer to the Seagulls just two weeks ago, coming as something of a 'secret' bid after radio silence on it. While this offer appears to have been rejected, it suggests that perhaps the move is further along than once thought.
Arsenal pull-out
Arsenal have backed out of attempting to sign Caicedo this summer, leaving Chelsea in pole position to sign the Brighton star. The Gunners had a first bid for fellow midfield target Declan Rice turned down and have made him their priority instead.
According to The Times, Arsenal have withdrawn themselves from the race to sign Caicedo but instead Manchester United have taken their place.
Arteta plan
As per The Evening Standard, it is Caicedo's versatility that makes him such an attractive prospect. Arteta is said to believe that the young midfielder can play as both a no.6, as well as further forward in the free-roaming no.8 role and he even operated as a right-back during the latter part of the 2022/23 campaign.
But signing both Caicedo and primary midfield target Rice could cost the north Londoners close to £200 million, something that would likely require significant sales considering Arteta is also looking to strengthen his backline this summer.
Brighton fear
Caicedo's Brighton team-mate Pervis Estupinan has admitted he is worried his fellow Ecuador international will leave the Seagulls this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked, with the two London sides appearing most likely to sign Caicedo.
It is possible that Caicedo remains at Brighton, but his club and national team-mate Estupinan has hinted that occurring is unlikely. As quoted by ESPN, he said: "I think that having a player of Moi’s category, many teams would like him.
"We all fear that he will leave us . As I have always talked to him, if he stays I will be very happy to play next to him, to continue enjoying his football."
Mega money demand
As per the Telegraph, Brighton are demanding 'significantly more' than £70million if they are to part ways with Caicedo this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all said to be interested in in the versatile midfielder, with Liverpool also potentially joining the race to sign him depending on their financial situation.
De Zerbi stance
Roberto De Zerbi has offered a fresh stance on Caicedo's future. When asked if the Ecuadorian was going to leave Brighton, the Italian replied: "I didn’t say it like this. I said it could be a possibility to lose some big players like Caicedo, Mac Allister and Mitoma.
"We are Brighton and I know the policy of our club, my club. We have to be ready to bring other good players with the right characteristic, the right condition of our club."
Following the Seagulls' 3-0 win against Arsenal, De Zerbi said: "For sure we will lose some players [this summer], maybe [Moises] Caicedo and [Alexis] Mac Allister. We have to be ready to bring in more good players and for the others; [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Pervis] Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us."
Caicedo contract
In a shock turn of events, Caicedo committed his long-term future to Brighton in February. A statement from Brighton read: "Moises Caicedo has committed his long-term future to the Albion by agreeing a new contract that runs until 2027, with a club option for an extra year."
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