Chelsea hope to finalise a move from Brighton for Moises Caicedo this week for a fixed fee between £75-80 million.
Rudy Galetti has claimed that Chelsea are keen to wrap up the Moises Caicedo transfer by the end of the current week. The Stamford Bridge outfit considers the Brighton star their priority midfield target and could strike a deal for £75-80 million in fixed fees.
Brighton are happy to wait for any developments in the Moises Caicedo case, with Chelsea deemed the current favourite. The Blues had hoped for a free run at the Ecuadorian midfielder at the start of the window and have used their time well, as rivals are showing an interest.
Caicedo had pleaded with the Brighton hierarchy in January to allow him a transfer to Arsenal when the Gunners made a significant bid. After rejecting two offers and an earlier one from Chelsea, the Seagulls offered the 21-year-old a new contract and a promise to let him leave for the right offer.
🚨🔥 #Chelsea would like to close the deal with #Brighton for #Caicedo by the end of the week.
🗣️ As told, there is an understanding between the clubs on the fixed fee (~£75/80m), but there are still details to be discussed and work to be done.
✅ Personal terms already agreed. https://t.co/9k53Jmv3P8 pic.twitter.com/Uy0i6pwDrS
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 3, 2023
Hence, Brighton are relaxed about the situation with Caicedo but hope to extract a significant fee from potential suitors. While Arsenal have already agreed on a deal for Declan Rice, there are doubts about whether they would spend a similar amount on another midfielder.
Manchester United maintains interest, but their financial uncertainty could derail this chase. Hence, Chelsea have a somewhat free run on Caicedo, as they have held talks with Brighton for a prolonged period.
Chelsea have been waiting to sell some unwanted stars before making a substantial bid for the 21-year-old midfielder. Now that they have generated enough funds and trimmed their squad, the Blues could make an opening offer to est Brighton’s resolve.
Rudy Galetti insists a fixed fee of £75-80 million would suffice, and they could sign Caicedo for that price. Whether they make their opening bid in that range remains the question, as Brighton will hold firm on their valuation. Earlier reports have consistently pointed towards a £100 million inclusive asking price, which, with add-ons, could reach that number.
Overall, the Caicedo deal looks reminiscent of the Declan Rice deal, for whom Arsenal paid a reported £105 million, including add-ons. In this race, Chelsea may have a free run at the Ecuadorian. But they must act fast and get the deal over the line and not allow another suitor to enter the race.