It has been revealed when Chelsea plan to wrap up a deal for Moises Caicedo. The 21-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently and, despite pressure from Manchester United, the Blues seem relatively relaxed in their approach.
football.london understands that the Gunners tried to sign Caicedo in January, submitting two bids which were rejected. Despite pushing for an exit, the Ecuador international penned a new long-term deal just a few months later, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until 2027.
At first, it seemed as if his contract extension would rule out a move in the summer, although that doesn't seem to be the case with Chelsea expected to submit a bid soon. football.london understands that the Blues hold an interest in Caicedo, but they're aware he could cost in the region of £80million.
With Arsenal determined to beat Manchester City to Declan Rice, Chelsea initially looked well placed to secure the youngster's signature. However, since Erik ten Hag has turned his attention to Caicedo, the Blues are under pressure to get Mauricio Pochettino his target after previously missing out on Manuel Ugarte.
Despite what seems to be a lack of urgency, the west Londoners reportedly have a plan in place. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are likely to make a second offer for the Brighton star once they've recuperated more money from sales.
The Blues have already secured a healthy windfall from the departure of Kalidou Koulibaly. Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Romelu Lukaku have been heavily linked with moves to Saudi Arabia recently, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah are thought to be of interest to Inter Milan.
Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz look certain to leave while Mason Mount faces an increasingly uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge too, so Chelsea can certainly expect to rake in some significant funding. With the Blues in need of a new goalkeeper to rival Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, the report adds that a bid for Mike Maignan is being considered.
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The report states that Pochettino is willing to start next season with the Spaniard as his No.1, but the AC Milan shot-stopper has been eyed nonetheless. Maignan become one of the leading goalkeepers in Europe over the last year or so, helping the Rossoneri win the Scudetto in 2021/22.
