Chelsea are reportedly admirers of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and could look to make a move for him in the January transfer window.
The Blues have been heavily linked with World Cup winner and Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez since the past week. Both Chelsea and Benfica have been locked in negotiations over a move for Fernandez but the Portuguese club’s demands of wanting the Blues to pay the player’s £106 million release clause up front has resulted in the deal being collapsed.
According to Ben Jacobs in his column for Si & Dan Talk Chelsea, Chelsea have Brighton’s Moises Caicedo on their radar and could plot a move for him after failing to sign Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter knows Caicedo, 21, well having signed him for Brighton from Independiente del Valle in February 2021. The Ecuador international became a regular starter for the Seagulls earlier this season and has been excellent ever since, catching the eye of a number of clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United.
Moises Caicedo to Chelsea—A smart long-term investment?
It is now an open secret that Chelsea are scouring the market for midfield reinforcements. The futures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho at Stamford Bridge are up in the air as the duo are out of contract at the end of the season.
Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have had their fair share of injury problems this campaign, while Conor Gallagher hasn’t entirely convinced Graham Potter yet. Since opting against investing heavily in their midfield unit in the last summer transfer window, the Blues have suffered from tired and ageing legs in the centre of the park, with the majority of Graham Potter’s players looking out of steam and past their prime.
This has accentuated the need for fresh energy and bite in Chelsea’s midfield department, thus, making Moises Caicedo an ideal target. Caicedo is in his breakthrough campaign with Brighton, impressing with his ball-winning skills, passing range, work ethic and tenacity. The Ecuadorian is a natural ball-winner, and one who is also composed in possession and can dictate the tempo of play.
Caicedo is now one of the first names on Roberto de Zerbi’s team sheet, and he would instantly improve Chelsea’s midfield. He still has rough edges that will need sharpening, and the 21-year-old would personally get no better manager than Potter to improve under.
The Ecuador international has the qualities to become Kante’s long-term replacement, whilst adding youthful exuberance and vigour to the Blues’ engine room. Brighton will demand a hefty transfer fee for Caicedo’s services, but based on his performances this season and during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he has the attributes to be worth every penny for Chelsea.
