Chelsea plot £112m transfer for dream Enzo Fernandez partner in Moises Caicedo alternative

Chelsea are looking to reinforce Mauricio Pochettino's midfield options in the summer transfer window with talks to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo proving unsuccessful so far

Chelsea have seen a number of midfielders leave Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window - leaving Mauricio Pochettino needing to sign replacements. Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount have all left the club as Pochettino searches for the ideal player to partner Enzo Fernandez in his squad next season.

football.london understands that the Blues have seen a recent bid for Brighton star Moises Caicedo rejected. Chelsea's offer was immediately turned down despite the Ecuador international's desire to leave the Amex Stadium, with reports claiming the offer was worth around £80million.

Brighton are committed to keeping the player unless their £100million valuation is met - which has been influenced by Enzo's £106million move to Stamford Bridge in January, followed by Declan Rice's £105million switch to Arsenal earlier this month.

According to The Times, the Caicedo is set to hold talks with Brighton in an effort to bring down the club's £100million asking price. However, Chelsea are now considering alternative options in the transfer market after seeing their £80million bid turned down by Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Spanish publication Nacional states that the Blues are now interested in bringing Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde to Stamford Bridge this summer. Real Madrid have rebuffed approaches for the Uruguay international with Liverpool said to have made an €80million (£68million) offer, while Saudi Arabian sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli both offered €100million (£85million).

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have prepared a bid of €130million (£112million) to sign Valverde in an effort to Madrid president Florentino Perez's resolve. The report adds that the Blues are prepared to quintuple Valverde’s salary to make him one of the best paid players in the Premier League.

The Spanish giants signed Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund this summer - adding to their immense midfield options at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti now has Bellingham, Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, Toni Kroos and Valverde at his disposal next season - which could see one of them leave in search of regular first team football.

Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...