Chelsea sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion

After a long-drawn-out negotiating process with Brighton & Hove Albion over the past few months, Chelsea have finally announced the signing of Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian defensive midfielder has signed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option of an additional 12 months and will cost a British record £115 million.

Caicedo’s fee is the second time the British transfer record has been smashed this summer, previously by Arsenal, who forked out £105m to sign Declan Rice.

It is also the second time Chelsea have exceeded the record in the last six months, having paid over £100m to lure Enzo Fernandez to West Londoners in January.

“I am so happy to join Chelsea,” Caicedo said after signing on the dotted line. “I am so excited to be here at this big club, and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me. 

“I just knew I wanted to sign for the club. It’s a dream come true to be here, and I can’t wait to get started with the team.’

Caicedo’s arrival takes Chelsea’s spending in the Todd Boehly-led era to over £800m over the last three windows, and there is an expectation that they could smash the £1 billion mark before the end of the month.

The Blues are still in the market for a new goalkeeper to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

The arrival of an additional forward player has not been ruled out either, with a deal to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace in the works.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are not so far off from announcing another midfield signing after convincing Romeo Lavia to ditch Liverpool in favour of a move to West London.

The Southampton youngster is expected to sign a long-term contract in a potential £60m deal and could be Chelsea’s seventh first-team signing of the summer.