Yahoo Sports Brighton demanding more than £70m for Moises Caicedo as Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd plot moves
Brighton are set to demand significantly more than £70 million for Moises Caicedo this summer as the race for the midfielder’s signature begins to intensify.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown interest in Caicedo, who has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic and versatile midfielders.
It is also thought that Liverpool could yet enter the race, depending on the finances involved, even though Jurgen Klopp’s side are in the process of finalising a move for Alexis Mac Allister, Caicedo’s Brighton team-mate.
Arsenal and Chelsea both tried to buy Caicedo in the January transfer window, with Arsenal bidding £70 million for the Ecuador international.
Brighton refused to sell the 21-year-old at the time but, having sealed qualification for next season’s Europa League, are willing to let him leave the club in the coming weeks.
Arsenal remain interested in Caicedo but their priority in midfield is Declan Rice, the West Ham United captain, and they are also looking to strengthen in defence this summer.
Chelsea could significantly improve their chances of winning the race for Caicedo by including Levi Colwill, their young centre-back, as part of the deal.
Colwill spent last season on loan at the Amex Stadium and Brighton have made it clear that they would like to sign the 20-year-old on a permanent basis. Chelsea, however, are insisting that he is not for sale.
‘Brighton’s policy is like this. I think it’s right they can leave’
Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton head coach, said last month that he expected Caicedo to be sold despite the midfielder signing a new contract in March.
“I think that can be the last game of Alexis and Moises, I’m really sorry,” De Zerbi said after Brighton’s trip to Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.
“They are two great people and two great players. The policy of Brighton is like this. I think it’s right they can leave, can change teams and play in a level higher.”
Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo comes amid uncertainty over the future of N’Golo Kante. As reported by Telegraph Sport, there is a real possibility that the Frenchman could leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of the month, as Chelsea will not be drawn into a bidding war with Saudi Arabia over the 32-year-old.
