The story of Moises Caicedo continues. Caicedo remains Chelsea’s top transfer target, but negotiations with Brighton and Hove Albion are still ongoing. The acquisition of Caicedo is a key component of CFC manager Mauricio Pochettino’s hopes for a significant midfield revolution.
In the January transfer window, the Blues made a bid to acquire Caicedo, but Brighton were hesitant to go with the Ecuadorian. Caicedo ultimately agreed to a new contract with the Seagulls and had an informal understanding with Roberto De Zerbi that he would be free to go if a suitable offer came in the summer.
The most interested party, Chelsea, has had talks with Brighton about the 21-year-old midfielder. Chelsea has been negotiating the transfer money as well as the specifics of the agreement and add-ons for weeks. Caicedo is prepared to relocate to Stamford Bridge and has already given the go-ahead.
Moises Caicedo’s price cap at Chelsea has been disclosed
Journalist Tom Roddy for The Times claims that CFC wants to close the deal within the allotted £80 million. Brighton has been adamant in their expectations since they want to get a sum of £100 million from the sale of Caicedo. De Zerbi also stated that Caicedo may go provided specific requirements are completed.
The West London club is still determined to sign the 21-year-old, despite claims that negotiations with Brighton have stalled. Chelsea may have to increase their offer if Brighton doesn’t budge after rejecting their first two bids, the most recent of which was for £70 million plus add-ons. During the preseason trip for Caicedo’s move, Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali was anticipated to meet with Brighton executives in the United States.
However, because the midfield appears to be lacking in experience, CFC are also keeping an eye out for other midfielders. Although Cesare Casadei and Andrey Santos show promise, they lack the Premier League playing experience needed to compete on a consistent basis. Caicedo is not enough for CFC to assemble a dependable and capable midfield.
The Evening Standard reports that CFC are willing to bring in two midfielders this summer. Mohammed Kudus, a potential attacking midfield option for CFC, has been contacted by the Blues. Romeo Lavia and Gabri Veiga are the players Chelsea is evaluating for centre midfield.
CFC may have to make some concessions in relation to Caicedo given Brighton’s aggressive negotiating tactics and the impossibility of a deal for less than £80 million. CFC should continue pursuing other midfield targets in the interim because the engine room need multiple upgrades.