According to a report from The Telegraph, Chelsea are getting ready to make another offer for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is their primary target for this summer’s transfer. They are determined to secure his signature before the league season kicks off. Despite having several bids turned down, including the latest one at £80 million, Chelsea remains persistent in their pursuit of the 21-year-old and is hopeful of bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
Caicedo’s Impressive Season With Brighton In The Last Campaign
Last season, Moises Caicedo demonstrated his impressive skills in English football while playing in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield at the American Express Community Stadium. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian was a key figure in Brighton’s squad, featuring in 43 matches and making significant contributions. He scored one goal and provided one assist in various competitions.
Caicedo’s defensive abilities were particularly noteworthy, as he proved to be a reliable presence in the heart of the midfield. In the Premier League, he averaged 2.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, and 0.8 shots per 90 minutes, highlighting his defensive prowess. Moreover, he displayed his creativity by delivering 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 successful dribbles per 90 minutes. His passing accuracy was commendable as well, boasting an impressive 88.8% success rate in the English top flight, according to Whoscored statistics.
Can Pochettino Bring Him To Chelsea This Summer?
Caicedo is well-known for his defensive midfield skills, demonstrating strength in tackling, passing, and dribbling. Additionally, he is versatile enough to play in a box-to-box role. Given the departures of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante, Chelsea has a pressing need for a defensive midfielder, and Caicedo seems like an ideal fit for the Blues. He would provide a sturdy presence in midfield, enhancing their defensive capabilities.
However, Chelsea faces a challenge in Brighton’s reported high asking price for Caicedo. The Blues hesitated to pay such a substantial fee in their previous bids, especially considering their other summer transfer signings. Nonetheless, the necessity for a defensive midfielder remains crucial for the West London club due to the aforementioned departures. It is possible that Mauricio Pochettino will need to sell one or two players to raise the necessary funds for a compelling offer to convince Brighton before the transfer window closes.
