Romano sends Chelsea ‘NO DOUBTS’ message as Blues close in on Caicedo

Robin Bairner

• 16 Jun 2023 07:04 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Chelsea star N’Golo Kante is certain to leave the club – with Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo liable to sign as his replacement.

Kante is out of contract with the Blues at the end of June and is eligible to depart on a free transfer, and according to the Italian, it is now certain that the France international midfielder will join Karim Benzema at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.

Romano says there are “no doubts” over Kante’s future, with everything for the transfer arranged and simply the announcement to take place as the next step.

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This comes as little surprise to Chelsea, with negotiations having persistently stalled on the former Leicester midfielder’s contract. While the 32-year-old was after a multi-year deal, the Blues were only prepared to offer him a one-season contract.

Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, have given Kante a two-year contract worth €100 million per year, according to Romano. This makes him one of the best paid players in the game.

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Kante out, Caicedo in at Chelsea

Kante’s exit paves the way for Caicedo to join Chelsea. Romano says that the Blues are now seeking an energetic midfield player, which the Brighton star certainly is.

Arsenal had led the race for Caicedo for a prolonged period, but FootballTransfers has revealed that the Ecuador international is willing to reject the prospect of Champions League football with the Gunners to sign a bumper deal with the Blues, who are prepared to offer him – and his agent – more money.

Although personal terms are not yet agreed, there is strong progress on this front being made.

Before Chelsea stepped up their interest in the 21-year-old, the Gunners were expected to be able to negotiate a deal in the region of £70m for the player, but it is now anticipated that he will depart for something more like £80m.

Caicedo, it appears, is on track to be Kante’s Chelsea replacement.