According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected Chelsea’s most recent offer of £80 million for Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has become Chelsea’s primary target in the midfield position as they aim to strengthen their squad following the departures of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the current summer transfer window.
Chelsea and Brighton have been in negotiations for the transfer of Caicedo, but they are far from reaching an agreement, mainly due to the Blue’s reluctance to sell their academy graduate, Levi Colwill, who impressed on loan at Brighton last season.
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea have submitted new bid for Moisés Caicedo in the last 24 hours. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Understand Chelsea new proposal was £80m (€93m in Euros) — and it was immediately rejected by Brighton. ⛔️ #BHAFC
Negotiations remain ongoing but no agreement at this stage. pic.twitter.com/NNk1Cg7CdY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2023
The Seagulls are eager to secure Colwill on a permanent deal, but Chelsea are not willing to let him go. As for Caicedo, Brighton have placed a hefty price tag of £100 million on him, just six months after Arsenal’s failed attempt to sign him in January.
Despite having their third offer for Caicedo turned down, Chelsea are determined to continue their pursuit of the Ecuadorian midfielder, as he is seen as the perfect midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez.
Must Read: Brighton’s demand for Levi Colwill has stalled Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo pursuit
Chelsea have only made two new signings, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino frustrated. The club is hoping to finalize more additions before their 2023/24 Premier League season begins, with a highly anticipated match against Liverpool on August 13.
Although they enjoyed victories against Wrexham and Brighton, their perfect pre-season record was interrupted by a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
They aim to return to winning ways in the upcoming derby against Fulham on Sunday.
