Chelsea are “closing in” on acquiring Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in time for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.
The Seagulls have rejected multiple Premier League approaches for Ecuadorians, referring the Blues to their £ 100 million asking price.
Brighton’s high value is attributed to Chelsea’s £106.8 million January purchase of Enzo Fernandez and Declan Rice’s £105 million summer transfer to Arsenal.
Caicedo is a top Premier League defensive midfielder, unlike Fernandez.
He would fit into Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield-deficient team.
The Blues’ only experienced players in that position are Fernandez and Conor Gallagher, whom the club may sell before the summer transfer window ends.
Brighton wanted £100 million or Levi Colwill for Caicedo, but the teenage defender just signed a new long-term contract in west London.
On Wednesday night, Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian claimed that Brighton and Chelsea are “in discussions” to bring Caicedo to Stamford Bridge.
The article says Chelsea wants to sign Caicedo before Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.
The Blues are “closing in” on the deal, but Brighton is “holding out for £100m”, and Pochettino’s side may not match their price.
Pochettino’s “primary target” is Caicedo, and negotiations have “progressed this week,” making the Argentine happy.
Even if they are prepared to invest £20m on Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, Chelsea are unwilling to pay the additional £20m.
The “lack of mobility” between the clubs frustrates Caicedo.
The 21-year-old did not participate in Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano and skipped training on Monday, with the club citing a hamstring injury. The report claims he is not hurt.
Chelsea are not interested in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, even though Pochettino wants another attacker after signing Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.
With Robert Sanchez’s £25 million deal from Brighton, Bayern Munich is discussing loaning Kepa Arrizabalaga.
