Brighton's bid to replace Moises Caicedo rejected with Chelsea circling the South American. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs via Twitter, Chelsea may make a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Blues have been interested in the 21-year-old for some time.
Jacobs provided a long thread on what the Seagulls may want to do with the midfielder although it is believed that they will demand around £70-75 million for the Ecuador international. Rivals Newcastle United are also interested in the box-to-box midfielder.
Graham Potter is dire need to reinforce his midfield ahead of next season. Senior figures like Jorginho and N’Golo Kante see their current contracts next summer, while Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have failed to impress so far.
The Blues have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months. SL Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham are two common names, while Declan Rice is also believed to be of interest.
Caicedo has been crucial for the Seagulls so far this season. The 21-year-old, who has previously played under Potter has featured in 17 games for his side in all competitions, scoring one goal in the process.
It makes sense to go after a midfielder like the Ecuadorian. The 21-year-old is a box-to-box defensive midfielder who has excellent ball-moving forward ability, and he is equally excellent while helping out the defenders at the back. The midfielder shares similar traits with Kante and replacing the Frenchman was always going to be a daunting task.
Kante has been the engine of the midfield for years but has struggled for fitness this season. Getting in a 21-year-old prodigy, with similar traits could help the club move on forward without missing the Frenchman too much.
However, his price is a concern. The midfielder sees his contract expire in 2025 (transfermarkt) and that puts the Seagulls in a very commanding position on the negotiation table. While the Blues have not been shy of splashing money, it remains to be seen if they are willing to spend huge on a 21-year-old.
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