Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton over a deal to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea saw an approach for the Ecuador international turned down during the January transfer window and remain interested in a deal to sign Caicedo, who has expressed a desire to leave Brighton this summer.
The 21-year-old is understood to be open to a move to Chelsea and personal terms are not expected to be an issue, as the west Londoners prepare to open negotiations with Brighton over a deal.
The two clubs share a strong relationship after multiple deals in recent transfer windows, but Brighton value Caicedo in excess of £80m. Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Chelsea are preparing to ‘attack’ the deal as the club look to improve the squad ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s first campaign in charge.
Chelsea’s focus has been on outgoings with Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante confirmed departures, while Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Edouard Mendy are also finalising exits from Stamford Bridge.
Those sales will provide funds for the Blues to pursue a deal for Caicedo, who ranked second in the Premier League for both tackles and interceptions in 2022/23.
Brighton will demand a record sale for the midfielder and reportedly value Caicedo at a similar level to West Ham’s Declan Rice, who has been subject of a £105m bid from Arsenal.
