Chelsea transfer target Moises Caicedo is ‘extremely keen’ to join the club in January, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Caicedo links…
The Blues have been repeatedly linked with a move for the Ecuador international who has shone under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton this season.
Reports have suggested that Chelsea have been readying another bid for Caicedo as they seek to bolster Graham Potter’s midfield options this winter.
The 21-year-old is a player Potter knows well from his time at Brighton, but if he is to bring his former prodigy to Stamford Bridge, a marquee fee will be required.
The Latest: Caicedo ‘extremely keen’ to join…
Caicedo could apparently cost in and around £75 million, with the emerged £100 million asking price not being serious, but that is still a steep valuation with Brighton appearing stubborn over a sale.
That is according to Jacobs, who also claims on Twitter that the player is ‘extremely keen’ to join Chelsea.
He explained:
“An offer of £75m+ (or one with a strong structure for less) would still give Brighton a serious decision to make, especially with Caicedo extremely keen on the move. He’s very humble & focused, so will not force a transfer like Wesley Fofana, but he’d love a January move to #CFC.”
The Verdict: Keep pushing?
The South American starlet has averaged more tackles per 90 than any Brighton player this season and has proved a regular in De Zerbi’s squad – starting 18 league matches.
A robust presence in front of the back four, Caicedo also ranks in their top two for interceptions made and has completed an impressive 88.2% of his passes this season (WhoScored).
Still very young, the midfielder would also come to west London as a real long term signing with real potential.
Caicedo has attracted praise for his performances from both members of the press and Brighton’s manager, with De Zerbi calling him a ‘big player’ for them.
Meanwhile, Brighton correspondent Andy Naylor of The Athletic has dubbed the youngster a ‘huge talent’ at both club and international level – leading to no surprise that Chelsea and owner Todd Boehly appear to still be chasing his signature.
Caicedo’s stance is clear with the battle being between Brighton and Chelsea, but going by his credentials, the latter side should certainly keep pushing.
