Chelsea look set to throw the kitchen sink at a deal for Moises Caicedo this summer. The 21-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for a while now, and the Blues are expected to finally get the ball rolling.
football.london understands that Arsenal tried to sign Caicedo in January, submitting two bids which were rejected. Despite pushing for an exit, the Ecuador international signed a new deal a couple of months later, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until 2027.
Initially, it raised a few eyebrows and it seemed as if the extension would rule out a move in the near future, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Chelsea expected to make a move in the coming days. football.london understands that the Blues hold an interest in Caicedo, and they're aware he could cost in the region of £80million.
With Arsenal fixated on wrapping up a deal for Declan Rice, Chelsea look well positioned to secure Caicedo's signature. According to Fabrizio Romano, the west Londoners are set to open talks with Brighton for the Ecuadorian in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The report states that personal terms shouldn't be an issue, but the Seagulls are expected to play hardball. While Chelsea may be confident that Caicedo will pen a deal at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United could prove to be a major threat.
In a press conference during his time at Independiente del Valle a couple of years ago, the Seagulls ace admitted that it's his dream to represent the Red Devils. Caicedo also named Antonio Valencia as an inspiration of his.
"My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow," he said, as quoted by the Express. "With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things."
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: 'Done deal', Mason Mount agreement, Christian Pulisic exit
Nevertheless, last month, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber addressed speculation regarding Caicedo's future. Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the Seagulls' clash against United, he said: "Well there’s always going to be rumours when we do well and our people do well.
"There’s always going to be bigger clubs playing at a higher level looking to take our best people but all we can do is perform at our highest potential, hopefully get to the highest position we ever have done in the Premier League and we’re confident we can keep our best people here for as long as possible.
"But you can never say anything is guaranteed in football and we’re certainly going to work hard to keep the best people here."
