Chelsea have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of signing Moises Caicedo this summer. The 21-year-old midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at Brighton, with numerous top clubs said to be chasing his signature.
football.london understands that Arsenal submitted two bids for the Ecuador international in January, but both were swiftly rejected. Then, in March, Caicedo penned a new long-term deal to keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2027.
At first, it seemed as if his extension would rule out an exit in the near future, though that doesn't seem to be the case with Chelsea expected to make a move in the coming weeks. football.london understands that the Blues hold an interest in the Ecuadorian, although they're aware he could cost a significant amount.
Arsenal have been prioritising a move for Declan Rice lately, but the prospect of the Gunners revisiting a deal for Caicedo has always loomed over Chelsea – especially with Manchester City now said to be in the race for the West Ham captain. As for Manchester United, they've been briefly linked with the midfielder ever since the Seagulls snatched him from their grasp 18-months ago.
The Blues once looked well positioned to land their primary target but a spanner has just been thrown into the works. According to The Times, the Red Devils have withdrawn their pursuit of Mason Mount in order to focus on other midfielder targets – ironically, one of which being Caicedo.
On Friday evening, Chelsea rejected a third bid from United worth £55million. The west Londoners replied by demanding £58million up front, in addition to a further £7million as add-ons.
Despite the Blues' best efforts to drive a hard bargain, The Times claim that Erik ten Hag's side have been left unhappy and there is a belief at Old Trafford that the club were being overcharged. Now, United look set to rival Chelsea for the signing of Caicedo, whose arrival was widely expected to be funded by the windfall of Mount's departure.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Mason Mount twist, Moises Caicedo concern, Man Utd plan
According to CBS Sports, Chelsea will make a 'big push' to sign the Ecuadorian, who is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. The report states that a deal worth £80million, plus £10million in add-ons, 'appears possible'.
CBS Sports outline that those close to Caicedo insist that he shouldn't be going for anything more than what Real Madrid paid for Aurelien Tchouameni (£86million) last year. The pressure is now on the Blues to wrap up a deal otherwise Todd Boehly could upset Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea have already missed out on Manuel Ugarte to Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Uruguayan was largely believed to be a key midfield target for the former Tottenham boss, but the French giants managed to lure him to Les Parc des Princes.
With pre-season just around the corner, the Blues cannot afford to upset the apple cart this early into Pochettino's tenure...
