Transfer News: Brighton rejects Chelsea bid for South American star

Brighton & Hove Albion reject Chelsea bid for Moises Caicedo

Premier League giants Chelsea are interested in securing the services of Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo as they seek to rebuild under Graham Potter. However, it is not so simple with the Seagulls holding firm.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), a £55 million approach for the player was turned down since the Seagulls do not want to release the midfielder in January. With just days to go before the transfer window shuts, time is running out for Chelsea to land their man.

Potter brought the player while at Brighton from Independiente del Valle for £5 million, and the 21-year-old fit right into the Englishman’s philosophy. Since then, he has flourished in the club and is currently aiding their fight for a European spot.

Additionally, the Seagulls do not intend to sell the player but may do so in the summer if a higher offer comes in. Given how they made us pay up for Marc Cucurella, Chelsea will need to fork out the big bucks to land Caicedo.

Although Ecuadorian is tied to the club till 2025, Chelsea wouldn’t wait that long to get him. But the Blues can raise their offer after their initial bid was turned down (Transfermarkt). Despite Chelsea agreeing on personal terms with Noni Madueke in a £35 million deal, the need for a central midfielder hopefully remains a priority for the club.

As both players operate from different positions Madueke is an attacking midfielder who can also play on wings, while Caicedo is a box-to-box midfielder, whose tireless energy will help the club play free-flowing football.

Jorginho and N’Golo Kante have regressed and will see their contracts expire next summer. Kante has also missed half the season due to injury. While Mateo Kovacic has also been on the same line, his effect from the central area of midfield has not been noticed.

Caicedo would be a fantastic replacement for Kante. His ability to go from box to box and never-ending energy mirror Kante’s playing style as both players strive to cover every inch of the field and support the attack while their only job is to aid in defence.

More Chelsea News:

• Sergei Palkin reveals why Mykhailo Mudryk chose Chelsea over Arsenal
• Loaned out Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to decide his future in the summer
• Graham Potter happy with the debut performance of Benoit Badiashile for Chelsea

And we are aware of Todd Boehly, who could go to any extent to acquire the player. However, even if we don’t sign Caicedo, the team should move on to other targets this month and must not give up on their pursuit of a young, dynamic central midfielder.