Chelsea have reportedly agreed on an £80 million base fee with Brighton for top midfield target Moises Caicedo as talks continue.
According to Rudy Galetti, Chelsea have agreed on a base fee of £80 million for top midfield target Moises Caicedo. Brighton & Hove Albion continue to hold out for £100 million, including bonuses, as talks continue between the two clubs to find an agreement.
The Moises Caicedo transfer saga is steadily becoming one of the long-drawn-out subjects of this window. Despite Chelsea making him their top midfield target, they are nowhere close to an agreement with Brighton for the midfielder.
Moreover, the lack of concrete interest from rivals continues to baffle many, as Chelsea seems like the front-runner so far. There’s always the looming threat of a Champions League-playing English side entering the race, with reports suggesting Arsenal still hold an interest in the Ecuadorian.
Caicedo reportedly had an understanding with Brighton since January about a departure this summer. The Seagulls are open to a sale but at their price. So far, the midfielder has not pushed his buttons to force a move, but that could still happen.
🚨⚠️ #Caicedo–#Chelsea, add-ons will be decisive.
🗣️ After reaching a general understanding on the fixed part of the fee (~£80m), the talks – always on – on bonuses have been ongoing for weeks.
💰 As told, #Brighton want £100m (£20m bonus), #CFC wouldn't exceed £90m (so, £10m). pic.twitter.com/4KC6AbpFFn
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 15, 2023
Many reports have constantly suggested Chelsea have held direct talks with Brighton for a long time now. Yet, the lack of an agreement between the two clubs puzzles many. For his part, Caicedo is open to joining the Blues this summer and becoming a mainstay on Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Brighton are keen to extract £100 million for Caicedo, including bonuses. Yet, they would want a higher base fee or guaranteed sum to agree on a deal. Rudy Galetti now insists Chelsea have agreed to an £80 million base fee with the Seagulls for their top midfield target.
The two clubs could continue discussing bonuses, with Chelsea unwilling to exceed £90 million. They have set their limits separately and may not exceed that. For their part, Brighton may remain firm on their demand of a £100 million fee, inclusive of add-ons.
With the saga dragging into oblivion, there are chances of the deal breaking down if there is friction between the two sides about the final feel. Chelsea also have Romeo Lavia in their sights as an alternative to Caicedo. However, the reported agreement over the base fee is a good sign for all parties concerned.
There is also the chance of other rivals entering the chase and taking advantage of Chelsea’s groundwork. Caicedo had previously suggested his intention to play in the Champions League, which makes Arsenal the biggest threat Chelsea could envisage in this chase.
