Chelsea remains in direct contact with Brighton as the two clubs continue negotiating over the transfer of highly-rated central midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Ecuador international Caicedo has been a revelation since signing for the Seagulls for an undisclosed amount from Independiente del Valle in 2021, with the 21-year-old having emerged as one the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders.
Brighton rebuffed a £75 million offer from Arsenal in January for Caicedo, although with the Gunners on the verge of sealing a record-breaking deal for Declan Rice that interest seems to have cooled.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano Chelsea are now clear favourites to sign the impressive youngster. Romano is reporting that Caicedo is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has already agreed personal terms with the Blues.
Chelsea will continue talks with Brighton next week as the clubs look to agree on a valuation of the player, with the transfer fee expected to be anywhere between £80-100 million.
Manchester United were also linked with Caicedo recently, although that interest seems to have cooled after they secured a deal for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, and it is also thought the Old Trafford outfit lack the financial resources to prise the Ecuadorian away from the south coast.
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