According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have tested the waters of Brighton and Hove Albion with a £65m bid for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
It further revealed that the Seagulls have no interest in selling the Ecuador international unless the valuation is met. They want something around £75m+.
A January deal looks tricky at the moment because Chelsea will have to pay over the odds to sign the midfielder. Brighton are aware that there will be summer interest for the player, hence they are holding out for such a big fee in the mid-season window.
The good thing is that Chelsea boss Graham Potter is keen on bringing Caicedo, a player he worked before at the Amex Stadium before coming to Stamford Bridge in September last year.
Caicedo has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season. He is one of the main reasons why Brighton are playing well and find themselves seventh in the table with a good chance of finishing in the European spots.
The 21-year-old is a versatile midfielder who can play either as a defensive midfielder or in a midfield pivot or as a box-to-box midfielder in a three-man midfield.
The Ecuador international is excellent on the ball, both with passing and progression. He loves a tackle or two to break down opposition attacks and does not shirk away from physical duels.
Chelsea do lack a bit of dynamism and graft in the midfield in the absence of N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman is back in solo training, but more options would be required in that position sooner rather than later.
Hence, signing Caicedo, whenever it be, will make a lot of sense. The player’s understanding with Potter could play a key role.
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