Signing Moises Caicedo has become the priority for Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Acquiring a midfielder that can get the best out of January signing Enzo Fernandez is of paramount importance and the Blues look to have identified Caicedo as the man to fill that void.
In the January window, there was significant interest in his services from Chelsea, but also from London rivals Arsenal. No move away from the south coast materialised and Caicedo then went on to sign a new contract with the Seagulls which is said to have included a clause which can help facilitate a move away.
At the end of May, Manuel Ugarte was the midfielder dominating the Chelsea headlines but that proposed move fell apart over wage demands. The Blues moved on very quickly though and even sent their first bid to Brighton just over two weeks ago which stood at £60 million and was swiftly rejected, according to The Athletic.
Included in that report were some alternatives that the Blues are also keeping tabs on if their move for Caicedo falls apart. Southampton star Romeo Lavia, Manu Kone and Nicolo Barella were all mentioned but a new name was referenced who could be the perfect man to deploy next to Fernandez.
AC Milan star Sandro Tonali has been a key figure in the Serie A giants midfield over the last few season, playing a key role in their 2021/22 Scudetto triumph. The Italy international also helped his team reach the Champions League semi-finals and finish fourth in this campaign.
Tonali is very well-known for his aggressive style of play and dominating midfield prowess which could give Fernandez the platform to thrive in an advanced role. At just 23 he would also fit into the long-term plans for the Blues, and he could be significantly more affordable than Caicedo.
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Last summer Arsenal showed a strong interest in Tonali and were handed a €55 million price tag (£46.4m) from Milan. Another impressive season likely means that valuation has increased but Chelsea's relationship with Stefano Pioli's side could help matters.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was in advanced talks to sign for Milan in May, however the restructuring of the clubs board could change things. With his move up in the air, Chelsea could resume negotiations but demand Tonali be part of a swap deal involving Loftus-Cheek if a deal involving Caicedo appears complicated or the club are put off by Brighton's firm price stance.
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