Moises Caicedo missed Brighton’s recent friendly and training on Monday, thus sparking rumours about forcing a move to Chelsea.
The Evening Standard reckons Moises Caicedo missing Brighton training on Monday may have links to forcing a move to Chelsea. The 21-year-old was also left out of the Seagulls’ friendly against Rayo Vallecano, which started the rumours of an exit.
There have been conflicting rumours in the last 48 hours surrounding Moises Caicedo. Media outlets picked up the news of his absence from Brighton’s latest friendly against Rayo Vallecano, which started off the rumours the 21-year-old was keen to force a move.
Some reports in the last week indicated Caicedo could force a move away from Brighton after club chief Tony Bloom rejected a third Chelsea offer for the midfielder. The Seagulls have stayed adamant over their £100 million-plus valuation of the midfield, which the Blues have not matched.
Fabrizio Romano has been adamant that Caicedo missed the friendly due to his insistence on leaving the club. TalkSport’s Alex Crook suggested the midfielder missed the game due to a ‘tight thigh’ problem.
Moisés Caicedo not in Brighton squad for today’s friendly game comes with clear message from player side: he wants to leave this summer. 🔵⚠️
Negotiations with Chelsea remain ongoing — but Brighton insist on their position: bid has to be improved to make the deal happen. pic.twitter.com/zJuEYiUOgS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2023
Now, the Evening Standard insists, the midfielder is ready to force a move through after Caicedo missed training on Monday. The question of which story has the legs to run in the coming days, but Chelsea are reportedly poised to make a new bid for the 21-year-old target.
Brighton have the power in this saga, as they have made it clear how much they want for the midfielder. Chelsea have not shown any shortcomings in finding the money needed. Some of their recent signings point towards the availability of funds.
Chelsea have signed at least four players since the Caicedo links began. They have spent around £30-35 million on youngsters not deemed good enough for the first team. Brighton have the upper hand due to Caicedo’s decision to sign a new contract after the Seagulls denied a January move to Arsenal.
Hence, despite the rumours about Caicedo forcing a move to Chelsea, Brighton holds all the cards in this saga. They can offer Europa League football, an incredible incentive for any player to stay at the club.
Chelsea will keep pushing until the end, and if they are to make a £100 million bid, a deal could conclude. So far, they have not shown any inclination towards meeting that asking price. Still, like in January with Enzo Fernandez, they could leave it late and finalise a move by paying what’s necessary for the 21-year-old target.
