Moises Caicedo ‘has his heart set’ on a move to Chelsea this summer despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Chelsea are in negotiations with Brighton over a deal to sign Caicedo as Mauricio Pochettino looks to rebuild his midfield.
Discussions are ongoing between the clubs and are understood to be moving in a positive direction, with Caicedo having made clear his desire to move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the Daily Express, Caicedo ‘has his heart set’ on a move to Chelsea and his stance will not change regardless of offers from rival Premier League clubs. Manchester United have been credited with interest in the Ecuadorian, while Arsenal and Liverpool have been previously linked.
Chelsea are hoping to conclude a deal in the coming days so that Caicedo can join the club’s pre-season tour, but Brighton are holding out for a record sale.
The Seagulls believe the 21-year-old should be priced similarly to Declan Rice, who signed for Arsenal from West Ham for a fee of £105m. Chelsea’s second bid is expected to surpass £70m.
Caicedo has been a leading transfer target for Pochettino with Chelsea in need of midfield additions. The west Londoners have sold Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer, while N’Golo Kante has signed for Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after his contract expired. Conor Gallagher has also been linked with an exit amid interest from West Ham.
