Chelsea's mystery transfer rivals for Caicedo revealed

3 Aug 2023 10:18 BST
3 min read

Chelsea’s competitors for Moises Caicedo has been revealed after Brighton reportedly turned down an offer in excess of £80 million for the midfielder.

Caicedo has been pursued by Chelsea all summer and Mauricio Pochettino’s side saw their most recent bid of £75m plus £5m in add-ons rejected by Brighton.

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Chelsea have been largely unopposed in their pursuit of Caicedo but a recent report by The Athletic stated that an ‘unidentified club’ had made an offer surpassing the Blues’ proposal but it was promptly rejected.

'I WANNA GO!': Caicedo reveals exit desire to Brighton fans

The team in question is thought to be Liverpool, with Football Insider claiming that the Reds have been in contact with Brighton over a transfer as they look to replace Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who both completed lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia last month.

Liverpool have been eyeing Romeo Lavia but they have so far been reluctant to meet Southampton’s £50m asking price, with Chelsea also considering the 19-year-old as an alternative to Caicedo.

Brighton are thought to be holding out for a fee similar to Declan Rice’s transfer to Arsenal, which saw West Ham net £105m for their captain.

Caicedo uncertainty set to continue into new season

Caicedo penned a new four-year deal with Brighton in March despite posting an open letter on social media explaining his desire to leave the Seagulls after they blocked a transfer to Arsenal in January.

The Gunners have since cooled their interest after signing Rice, leaving a seemingly clear pathway for Chelsea, with Liverpool also having spent big on midfielders this summer.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s side appear to be back in the running after Henderson and Fabinho’s departures, although their priority is still thought to be Lavia despite having a second bid of more than £40m turned down.

RAID: Chelsea target ANOTHER Brighton star

Chelsea, meanwhile, are still desperate to sign Caicedo and a deal could be brokered alongside a move for Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who is available for transfer after falling out with manager Roberto De Zerbi.