Brighton star Moises Caicedo admits he cannot say no to Chelsea. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chelsea have informed Brighton & Hove Albion that they are unwilling to bend over backwards to sign Moises Caicedo on the latter’s terms.
According to the Times, (h/t Metro) Chelsea don’t have any intention to pay the midfielder’s price tag despite showing heavy interest in his services.
Caicedo’s performances have seen him attract suitors from the Premier League, including Arsenal, whose offer for the midfielder was rejected by the Seagulls back in January. Despite holding the edge in negotiations, Chelsea are unwilling to pay Brighton’s asking price.
With the Seagulls open to selling the Ecuadorian for the correct price, it could come down to whether we can present an acceptable offer. With Manchester United also joining the race, the Blues cannot afford to take their position for granted.
Chelsea hold another advantage given that Caicedo is close to agreeing personal terms with the Blues. But the club’s unwillingness to meet his valuation can open the door for other clubs to pounce on his signing.
However, the Blues don’t have a proper defensive midfielder after N’Golo Kante joined Al-Ittihad, so signing a holding midfielder is now a priority for the West Londoners. The Blues have already kicked off a mass exodus of players after Kalidou Koulibaly, Mason Mount Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Mateo Kovacic, and Kai Havertz all moving elewhere or being expected to.
Chelsea have shown scant regard for financial constraints in the previous two transfer windows. Wheher the newfound tactic of playing hardball is a calculated plan or a sign that we have learnt our lessons remains to be seen.
As a result, they will need to be cautious while making additions in the upcoming summer transfer window. They can take a cue or two from Liverpool, who gained a massive bargain after they acquired Alexis MacAllister from Brighton for just £35 million. However, unlike the Argentine, Caicedo does not have a low release clause that can be exploited.
Chelsea can therefore attempt to negotiate a lesser price, but if that doesn’t succeed, we will be left with no other option and may have to pay his asking price. We will also need to move quickly to complete the transfer given that Manchester United could potentially play spoilsport.
Chelsea recently loaned Jadon Sancho on a season long load deal from Manchester United. (with an obligation to buy)
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