Chelsea close in on Moises Caicedo

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to The Guardian.

After over a month of chasing the 21-year-old midfielder, they are closer than ever and hope to wrap up a deal before this weekend.

Brighton are still holding out for at least £100 million and remain resolute that they will not let him go for less, but Chelsea are inching closer to agreeing a deal.

The Ecuadorian midfielder was Chelsea’s top target heading into the transfer window, with the Blues in dire need of a holding midfielder. 

In truth, they have needed one for years, with previous managers demanding and failing to get their targets.

However, it looks like the West Londoners will land their man soon. 

Brighton will pocket plenty of profit for their £4.5 million signing of Caicedo from Independiente del Valle in 2021. He went on loan to Beerschot first.

However, after six months, the Seagulls recalled him. He began to shine under Graham Potter towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign. 

He continued his development last season under Potter and Roberto De Zerbi. He impressed in his holding midfield role and showed versatility, deputising as a right-back. 

Caicedo wants the move to Chelsea and has made that clear to Brighton, but the Seagulls want a premium.

The midfielder was unavailable for Brighton’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. 

The club claimed it was a hamstring problem, but many felt the player was trying to force a move. He was absent from training on Monday. It looks like he will now get his move to Stamford Bridge.

Apart from Caicedo, Chelsea are also in talks for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams. He will likely deputise for Caidedo.

The report also links Chelsea to Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but the Foxes do not want to sell.