According to a report from the Telegraph, Chelsea are keen on securing a deal for Moises Caicedo, but Brighton have set a high price tag of over £100 million for the talented midfielder.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal made two unsuccessful bids for Caicedo, indicating the player’s value. The Seagulls consider Caicedo to be on par with the likes of Declan Rice, further emphasising their valuation of the Ecuadorian youngster.
Caicedo’s Impressive Performances In English Football Last Season
Moises Caicedo showcased his talents in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield with commendable performances at the American Express Community Stadium. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian featured in 43 matches for Brighton last season, contributing with one goal and one assist across multiple competitions.
Caicedo displayed his defensive capabilities, proving to be a consistent and reliable presence in the heart of the midfield. He averaged 2.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, and 0.8 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. Furthermore, he showcased his creativity by providing 1.2 key passes and 0.8 successful dribbles per 90 minutes. Caicedo’s accuracy in passing was also noteworthy, boasting a pass success rate of 88.8% in the English top flight, according to statistics from Whoscored.
With his current contract at Brighton set to expire in the summer of 2027, securing Caicedo’s services in this transfer window would require a significant offer from potential suitors. The Blues are aware of this, and the midfielder could command a fee of £100 million to secure his services.
Should Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino Look For Other Alternatives In The Transfer Market?
Moises Caicedo showcases a formidable presence in the centre of the park, regularly engaging in robust tackles to disrupt the opposition’s play and make life challenging for them. His timing and precision in challenges are excellent, allowing him to regain possession for his team in midfield effectively. Additionally, he demonstrates a defensive mindset and is not hesitant to clear the lines when necessary.
Although primarily recognized as a defensive midfielder, Caicedo exhibits versatility by seamlessly transitioning into a box-to-box role when instructed by his manager. This adaptability adds an extra dimension to his game, enabling him to contribute effectively in multiple areas of the pitch.
The Ecuadorian sensation displays proficiency in passing, executing accurate deliveries to his teammates. Furthermore, he possesses the power and accuracy to strike from long distances. Additionally, Caicedo demonstrates skilful dribbling, often embarking on dynamic runs with the ball from midfield, showcasing his ability to drive the team forward.
Furthermore, the demand for a defensive midfielder has become urgent for the West London club due to the departures of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante. While players like Enzo Fernandez possess a more attacking style, the addition of a defensive holding midfielder would bring greater solidity and tenacity to Pochettino’s midfield department. However, the significant hurdle in Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo is the valuation set by Brighton. Unless the asking price is lowered, it is unlikely that the Blues will make substantial progress in securing his services.
