Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton is challenged by Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill of Brighton and Hove Albion. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
As quoted by the Evening Standard, Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has offered a sensational swap deal to Chelsea involving Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo in a press conference.
Chelsea have been long interested in signing Caicedo in this summer window. But, their attempts to sign the Ecuadorian for less than what Brighton rated him have failed thus far.
A few days ago, it was revealed in the Independent that the Seagulls had rejected a second bid from the Blues worth around £70m for the midfielder. On the other hand, the former have had their £30m bid for Colwill rejected by the latter. Colwill was part of the Brighton squad on loan last season and did very well.
Here’s what De Zerbi said while talking about both the players and offering a swap deal to Chelsea (h/t Evening Standard):
“There are two questions. Not only about Caicedo, also about Colwill, and maybe it can be [a swap].
“I would like to play with Caicedo and Colwill together but at the moment I can only speak about Caicedo as Colwill is not one of my players.”
Brighton are one of the tough nuts to crack in the transfer market. Although Chelsea need to keep Colwill and sign Caicedo, it looks unlikely that both things will happen this summer.
That might only become a possibility if the Blues adhere to the asking price for the latter and pay the required money to get the deal done.
With Wesley Fofana out injured for the long haul, they are not in a position to offer a cash-plus-Colwill offer to Brighton and hope that it is enough to sign the midfielder.
To be honest, regardless of the Fofana setback, Chelsea must keep hold of Colwill. He is an excellent defender who has a big future at Stamford Bridge. At just 20 years of age, he has shown that he can become one of the finest in the business if trained right and played regularly.
Of course, Brighton would want to take advantage of the situation at Chelsea because we are seemingly desperate for Caicedo. But Todd Boehly and co. must find a way to get the Caicedo deal over the line without selling a future star (Colwill) in return.
The midfield is light with all the departures this summer. It needs an injection of quality, and the Ecuadorian has that in abundance.
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