Brighton star Moises Caicedo has been heavily linked with a move to both Chelsea and Arsenal this summer as either side hopes to bolster their options in midfield...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Chelsea are in the market for a new midfielder this summer, Mauricio Pochettino eager to further bolster his options in the middle of the park. The Blues have been heavily linked with a number of players recently – one of whom being Moises Caicedo.
The 21-year-old, who sees his contract at the Amex Stadium expire in 2027, featured 37 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League last season, helping Roberto De Zerbi’s side secure a Europa League qualification place. His impressive performances have rightfully attracted the attention of some big clubs, including the Blues.
So, with that being said, football.london has now rounded up all the latest speculation around Caicedo’s future on the south coast.
Real Madrid bid
Chelsea appear to have reignited their interest in Aurelien Tchouameni, a year after Real Madrid hijacked a move to sign the midfielder.
The 23-year-old faces a somewhat uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu following the arrival of Jude Bellingham, who became the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
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 deals
With a move for Moises 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 Moises 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 Declan 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 revealed
Moises 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.
‘Personal terms agreed’
Moises Caicedo has agreed personal terms to sign for Arsenal this summer, according to Ecuadorian media outlet Teradeportes, via The Mirror.
Champions League football being on offer is said to have been a deciding factor for Caicedo but it is also noted that higher wages could tempt him to move to Chelsea.
Ugarte twist
Chelsea are expected to push for a move to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton in the upcoming summer transfer window, football.london understands.
The Blues current focus appears to be on Manuel Ugarte with his release clause making negotiations with Sporting CP far easier, but personal terms have not been agreed for the midfielder just yet, football.london understands.
Brighton valuation
For Brighton to sell Moises Caicedo in the summer transfer window it could take at least £80million, according to a new report from the Guardian.
Arsenal offered £70m in January but saw that rejected with Caicedo signing a new contract and delivering more superb performances on the south coast which has seemingly resulted in a price increase.
Crucial bargaining chip
A report from The Guardian states that the Blues could hold a key advantage over the Gunners when it comes to negotiating a deal for Caicedo.
Chelsea may be willing to offer Levi Colwill a return to the Amex Stadium on loan for a second season after the young defender enjoyed an impressive spell with De Zerbi’s side in the 2022/23 campaign.
Pochettino is planning for Colwill to be a part of Chelsea’s first team next season – but with plenty of options at centre-back already, it may be wise to allow the youngster to leave on loan once again and continue his development.
The player’s stance on another loan move away from Stamford Bridge is still unclear, but a return to Brighton may be of interest to Colwill who is attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.
‘Number one priority’
Moises Caicedo has been made Chelsea’s “number one priority” for the summer, according to Simon Phillips.
The Brighton midfielder appears to be a key target for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has reportedly given the green light on a potential deal. “Unless there is a miracle, Chelsea won’t be landing Declan Rice this summer (it’s not over yet),” Phillips said on Chelsea-news.co.
“And incidentally, yesterday I was told by a top source that Chelsea have placed Caicedo as their number one priority for midfield this summer. This has been approved by the decision makers and Pochettino, Chelsea want Caicedo and will move for him very soon.”
Price tag revealed
According to Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal lead Chelsea in the race to sign Caicedo this summer.
Arsenal are expected to reignite their interest in the summer, with Brighton now resigned to losing Caicedo, who is valued between £70million-£80million.
De Zerbi stance
Roberto De Zerbi has offered a fresh stance on Moises 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.”
Martinelli apology
Caicedo has voiced his regrets for fouling Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli after his challenge injured the Brazilian international on Sunday afternoon.
Martinelli was forced off in the first half of the 3-0 defeat to the Seagulls after he was on the receiving end of a poor challenge from the Ecuadorian in the opening exchanges of the match. Now, the tough-tackling midfielder has taken to social media to apologise, admitting that he regrets the tackle.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “If I could turn back time I wouldn’t have made that bad tackle. (Shrug emoji).”
Caicedo feelings clear
Caicedo has made his feelings on Arsenal perfectly clear despite failing to push through a transfer to the Emirates Stadium in January.
Caicedo has now revealed that he still wants Arteta’s side to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season and opened up on his failed effort to move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this season. Speaking to the Telegraph, Caicedo said: “I was really close to going.
“I suffered a lot. I’m sure I’m going to have many more opportunities. That’s why I continue to do things well. [But] it was tough. At the beginning when I didn’t end up going, lots of people would make fun of me on Instagram. People treated me badly.
“I didn’t check my social media because it would hurt me to see things. I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them. I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”
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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