Brighton are expected to ask for a transfer fee of more than £100million, for the signature of star midfielder Moises Caicedo.
According to The Telegraph, Brighton value their prized asset at a similar fee to Declan Rice. Therefore with Rice on the verge of completing a huge £105m deal for the Englishman, a precedent has been set for Caicedo’s fee.
The Ecuador international midfielder is one of this summers hottest properties. Caicedo had a brilliant breakout season under both Graham Potter and Roberto Di Zerbi.
He was targeted in January with Brighton rejected two Arsenal bids with the second believed to be around £70m. Caicedo has since signed a new deal at the Amex which runs until 2027, however that isn’t putting off potential suitors.
Chelsea are the club pushing hard for the coveted midfielder, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino earmarking the 21-year-old as a key signing. The Argentine is seen as the ideal midfield partner for Chelsea’s £107m Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea therefore could potentially be looking at over £200m for their two midfielders which is an insane amount of money.
What’s the latest with Caicedo?
Caicedo seems to have one option on the table, with Chelsea the only feasible party currently.
Arsenal won’t be making a move after they likely signing both Rice and Kai Havertz to completely modernise their midfield department.
Manchester United had been reported as an interested party last week.
However this appears to have been nothing more than a negotiating tactic as United attempted to make Chelsea drop their asking price for Mason Mount who they have now signed.
Therefore it appears to be Chelsea or nowhere for Caicedo, with The Seagulls no doubt already prepared for his exit.