Moises Caicedo during a match against Chelsea.
Chelsea are reportedly ‘closing in’ on the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and are hopeful they can register him in time for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.
The Seagulls have rejected several bids from their Premier League rivals for the Ecuadorian international, pointing the Blues to their £100million asking price.
Reports suggest Chelsea’s £106.8million signing of Enzo Fernandez in January, on top of Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal this summer, is the reason for Brighton’s huge valuation.
Unlike Fernandez, Caicedo has Premier League experience, proving himself to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the division.
He would be a perfect addition to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, which is severely lacking midfield players.
Fernandez and Conor Gallagher are the Blues’ only experienced options in that position and the club are remarkably believed to be open to selling the latter before the end of the summer transfer window.
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Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo has been a painful one as Brighton have been asking for £100m or a deal involving Levi Colwill, but the young defender recently signed a new long-term contract in west London.
While all hope appeared to be lost, The Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg reported on Wednesday night that Brighton and Chelsea are ‘in negotiations’ over a deal to send Caicedo to Stamford Bridge.
There is ‘hope’ at Stamford Bridge they will be able to sign Caicedo in time for Sunday’s Premier League opening fixture at home to Liverpool, the report states.
Although the Blues are ‘closing in’ on the signing, Brighton are still ‘holding out for £100m’ and it remains ‘unclear’ if Pochettino’s side will meet their valuation.
It is stated that Caicedo is Pochettino’s ‘top target’ and talks have ‘progressed this week’, which will bring a smile to the Argentine’s face.
Chelsea’s most recent bid was worth around £80m and they remain reluctant to pay the extra £20m, even if they are willing to spend that on Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams.
Caicedo is apparently ‘frustrated’ by the ‘lack of movement’ between the two clubs.
The 21-year-old did not play in Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano and then missed training on Monday, with the club saying he had a hamstring problem, though it is claimed in the report that he is not injured.
The report adds that Chelsea are not interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, even though Pochettino wants another striker after bringing in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is in talks to join Bayern Munich on loan following Robert Sanchez’s £25m move from Brighton.
