Mauricio Pochettino's £100million dream of landing Moises Caicedo could yet become a reality after the Brighton midfielder confirmed he is keen.
The Blues boss wants to land the 21-year-old at all costs following the departures of N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus Cheek. But Caicedo has admitted he is up for being part of Chelsea's rebuilding plan.
"It's a big team, that's true," he said. "A very historic team and I can't say no because it's a very big, historic, beautiful team. The city as well is beautiful."
Brighton believe Caicedo - on a contract until 2027 with an option for an extra year - justifies their £100million valuation given Arsenal paid a similar amount for Declan Rice with just a year left on his West Ham deal.
Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi admitted following their final game of the season that Caicedo and fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister were likely to leave. "I think it can be the last game for Alexis and Moises," he said. "I am really sorry because they are two great people and two great players but the policy of Brighton is like this. It is right that they can leave, they can play at higher level."
Mac Allister has since joined Liverpool, but Caicedo's future remains up in the air. Both Arsenal and Chelsea attempted to sign him back in January, prompting the Ecuadorian to publicly ask Brighton to let him go.
"I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart," he wrote on Instagram.
"I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador. I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
"The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity." However, Brighton held firm and he signed a new contract with Brighton just six weeks later.
"I don't even think about the speculation," he insisted. "I am focused on Brighton and doing things well here. I am very happy here with my colleagues, with all the club and I will keep giving 100% for this club."
