Despite already having spent over £150m this January alone, Chelsea are supposedly targeting a move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
It’s no secret the Blues could do with reinforcements in midfield, as with N’golo Kante and Dennis Zakaria injured and Jorginho in line to leave the club this summer, they certainly need rejuvenating in the middle of the park.
At just 21, Caicedo looks like an ideal solution to Chelsea’s problems, as the Ecuadorian has impressed since becoming a regular for Brighton.
The midfielder has appeared 18 times in the league this season, often deployed in a defensive role alongside the more progressive Alexis MacAllister offering cover to the backline.
That being said, Caicedo has chipped in with a goal and assist for the Seagulls; also netting on international duty for Ecuador at the World Cup as he played every available minute for his nation.
However, as mentioned, Caicedo excels defensively, putting up an impressive 2.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 whilst only being dribbled by once every two games on average.
For Chelsea, whilst money clearly isn’t an issue, Brighton have proved to be tough negotiators in the past, extracting sizeable fees for Ben White (Arsenal), Yves Bissouma (Tottenham), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), and of course most recently Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), showingthey’re only willing to sell when their valuation is met.
If the Blues are willing to stump up the cash, which is rumoured to be around £55m, Caicedo would presumably be keen on the move, as it would see him link up with Graham Potter; the man who brought him to Brighton initially.
Certainly, if Chelsea can get this one done, it would simultaneously be a quick fix but long-term solution to a growing problem at Stamford Bridge, and with Todd Boehly cashing checks from a seemingly endless bank account, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on over the next week.