Your morning Chelsea transfer roundup on Wednesday, July 13.
Erik ten Hag gives Chelsea green light on Moises Caicedo signing with Man Utd transfer statement
Erik ten Hag has given Chelsea the green light to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo with a statement on Manchester United's transfer business. United have been linked with a move for the Ecuador international but the Blues are thought to be leading the race for Caicedo's signature.
Arsenal were interested in Caicedo back in January, but have since cooled their interest in the 21-year-old this summer. Caicedo remains the priority for the Blues this summer, football.london understands.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of United's first pre-season friendly, Ten Hag admitted he wants to improve the squad but hinted that he may look to the club's academy, rather than incoming signings. "We have to improve the squad and you can do it with transfers, but also with players from across the academy," the Dutchman said.
"United is famous for bringing young kids to play in the first-team. I hope for a minimum of one player who can come in."
The Brighton midfielder has recently confirmed that he is open to joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Blues are currently in talks with Brighton as they look to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder in a deal that could cost in the region of £80million as Mauricio Pochettino looks to strengthen his midfield options.
READ MORE: Chelsea receive major Moises Caicedo transfer boost amid fresh agreement claim
Mauricio Pochettino makes Chelsea transfer decision as Liverpool step up Levi Colwill interest
Chelsea have made a decision on the future of Trevoh Chalobah as Mauricio Pochettino faces a fight to keep hold of Levi Colwill at Stamford Bridge. football.london understands the Blues currently have no interest in a sale for the 20-year-old, but teams are following in case that changes.
Colwill, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2025, featured 17 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League last season - helping Roberto De Zerbi's side keep five clean sheets. Pochettino has said he will have talks with Colwill over his place in the squad and expectations of each other this season amid transfer links.
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea's owners are open to selling Chalobah this summer should the right offer emerge. The English defender is behind fellow centre-backs Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
football.london understands that Pochettino has decided that he only wants four centre-backs in the first-team squad next season as the Blues continue to trim down the senior squad ahead of next season. Inter Milan want to sign Chalobah and value the defender at around £25million - but other clubs are also interested in making an offer.
Chalobah is thought to be willing to fight for his place at Chelsea and was in high spirits training under Pochettino this week. However, he wants regular first-team football as he targets an England debut ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament next summer.
Chelsea step up Rayan Cherki transfer interest as Lyon stance revealed
Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Rayan Cherki and have been in direct contact with the Frenchman's representatives in recent days, football.london understands.
Lyon, however, who have the 19-year-old under contract until June 30, 2025, are determined to keep hold of their prized asset. Interestingly enough, the French club have not said he is not for sale, but with their widely reported financial problems at the moment, they will try to get every penny possible out of Chelsea should they make a bid.
An offer is under consideration, with Chelsea and Cherki's representatives speaking in recent days to try and come to an agreement on personal terms. Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Cherki after having a bid turned down for the teenager in the January transfer window.
If Lyon were to sell, though, they would rather do business with Chelsea rather than strengthen one of their league rivals. Other targets are also being looked at by the west Londoners, but football.london understands Cherki is now the priority in that specific position.
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