Chelsea now ‘exploring’ move for £70m Fernandez alternative at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea target Moises Caicedo is “high on the list” at Stamford Bridge, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

The Blues are looking at alternatives to Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, and Phillips says the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is just one name that they are currently considering.

Chelsea transfer news – Moises Caicedo

The reliable Fabrizio Romano recently told GMS that Caicedo is a player who Chelsea “really appreciate”.

If the west London club want to sign him this month, though, he is likely to cost them a lot of money.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to FootballTransfers, claimed Brighton could demand £70m minimum for the 21-year-old.

Chelsea had been in discussions with Benfica to sign Fernandez. However, according to Sky Sports, the player’s £105m release clause was a stumbling block for Todd Boehly and Co.

What has Simon Phillips said about Moises Caicedo and Chelsea?

With Chelsea failing to agree a deal with Benfica to buy Fernandez, Phillips has informed GMS that the Blues are now looking at other options like Caicedo.

“Chelsea are going to turn to alternatives and we’ll see more names come out,” the journalist said.

“Obviously, Moises Caicedo is one that I’ve reported time and time again – high on the list at Chelsea. He’s probably the most likely alternative to Enzo as of now. But yeah, there are other names being explored.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Is Moises Caicedo a good alternative to Enzo Fernandez?

Chelsea fans will probably be disappointed if the club do miss out on signing Fernandez this month, which now looks to be the likeliest outcome.

At 21, the Argentina international obviously has a lot of potential, already helping his nation to win a World Cup.

As far as alternatives go, though, Caicedo by no means would be the worst. The Ecuadorian could bring a lot to Stamford Bridge.

He already has Premier League experience, which could go a long way for Graham Potter. The last thing the Englishman needs right now are signings who require time to adapt.

The Ecuador international is also the kind of midfielder who can thwart attacks. For example, in Brighton’s impressive 4-1 win against Everton at the start of the month, he made three interceptions, which was the most in his team (via WhoScored).

Be it Caicedo, Fernandez or someone else, Chelsea need to sign at least one player for their engine room this month. They have a lot of problems in that area of the pitch, with N’Golo Kante’s absence just one of them.

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