Caicedo’s Chelsea transfer is still ON – Fabrizio Romano
Tom Hancock
- Updated: 28 Jul 2023 21:41 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have not abandoned their pursuit of Brighton star Moises Caicedo despite reports to the contrary, says Fabrizio Romano.
So far, Brighton have held firm amid intense interest in the Ecuador midfielder – who Arsenal tried and failed to sign back in January.
But they may yet have to fend off another bid from Chelsea – who have just seen their £80m offer for the 21-year-old rejected by the Seagulls.
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There were suggestions that Chelsea had walked away from the negotiating table – but that is not the case, according to Romano, who claims that the Blues are ‘keeping talks alive’ as they aim to secure the services of one of last season’s standout Premier League performers.
Brighton are said to value Caicedo at around £100m, with their stance seemingly reinforced by Arsenal’s recent £105m outlay for Declan Rice – a player who the Seagulls reportedly consider Caicedo to belong in the same bracket as.
Chelsea look likely to have to up their bid considerably, then – but, per Romano, as of Friday (July 28), the deal is still alive.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
Chelsea have not left the negotiations for Moisés Caicedo, despite reports on Thursday. Deal on, as of today. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Brighton remain on their stance after £80m bid revealed and turned down yesterday. But it didn’t change Chelsea plans.
Chelsea keep contacts/talks alive. pic.twitter.com/blSitDz5xr— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2023
A meteoric rise
Were the Blues to meet Brighton’s reported valuation, Caicedo would become one of the most expensive signings in their history – and that of the Premier League.
It’s not even been two-and-a-half years since Brighton plucked Caicedo from relative obscurity, paying Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle what, in retrospect, was an absolute bargain £4m (€5m).
After a short loan spell with Belgian outfit Beerschot, Caicedo returned to Brighton to establish himself as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
He featured in 37 of the Seagulls’ 38 Premier League games last term, helping them to a sixth-placed finish and a first ever European qualification.
