Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this week, who has been touted as a potential £100m signing this summer.
However, those reports might not be entirely accurate when it comes down to the negotiations, and insider Ben Jacobs has a slightly better forecast for Chelsea to enter negotiations for this deal.
Writing in his latest exclusive and extensive Chelsea FC column for Si & Dan Talk Chelsea today, Jacobs says he the inflated valuations ranging from £100-120m for Caicedo is not realistic and it is likely to be something more like £70m plus £10m add-ons, which obviously looks a lot better for Chelsea.
EXCL: Caicedo's starting point fee, Colwill could start vs Liverpool, Nkunku done this week, Saudi deal updates, Havertz to Arsenal advancing, Mount exit probable…..
– The @JacobsBen Chelsea FC column!https://t.co/oa4su9IPMf pic.twitter.com/2l2bVrE30G
— Chelsea-News (@ChelseaNewsCo_) June 19, 2023
Jacobs also says that Caicedo is keen on the move to Chelsea and will be allowed to leave his club this summer. At the moment, it only looks like Chelsea who are the team really pushing to sign him. Long way to go yet though of course.
But either way, Jacobs says: “Chelsea will also continue their pursuit of Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian midfielder is keen on the move even without European football. And Brighton accept Caicedo will leave. This was acknowledged when he signed a new deal shortly after the January window shut.
“We are hearing inflated valuations, ranging from £100-120m, and of course Brighton would love that kind of money. But I am still told the starting point for any deal is closer to £70m guaranteed with £10m in add ons.
“With a bidding war, or even just knowing Chelsea’s need, Brighton might end up getting a bit more, but I will still be surprised if Caicedo ends up selling for the same price (or more) as Declan Rice.”
