(Football news) Chelsea have had several bids for Caicedo rejected this summer, but they remain confident of completing a deal to bring the 21-year-old Ecuador international to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton turned down an enhanced £80 million approach from Chelsea last month, valuing Caicedo at £100 million. Mauricio Pochettino wants to bolster his midfield before Chelsea’s match against Liverpool on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
Caicedo was left out of Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano yesterday, raising speculation that a move to Chelsea was imminent. Caicedo was not involved due to a tight hamstring, according to Brighton, and club chief executive Barber said: “We’re looking forward to Moises starting the season with us, he’s a Brighton player under a long-term contract.”
“He’s probably one of the most exciting young midfield players in the world at the moment and we’re delighted to have him.”
Over the weekend, Chelsea finalised the £25 million signing of custodian Robert Sanchez from Brighton.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are hopeful that Christopher Nkunku avoided a serious knee injury in their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund last week in Chicago. The £52 million summer addition is anticipated to miss the first game of the season against Liverpool, although just for a few weeks rather than months.
After his strong pre-season play, Chelsea have given Ian Maatsen a new contract, and Pochettino has told the 21-year-old that he wants to keep him in his squad this season.
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