Chelsea could hijack Arsenal Caicedo transfer AND sign Enzo Fernandez?

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 31 Jan 2023 07:36 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are closing in on a £115m move for Enzo Fernandez and could make late push for Moises Caicedo.

Sensationally, the Premier League side are willing to make a play for the Brighton midfielder even if they wrap up their British-record transfer of Fernandez from Benfica.

The Guardian report that the Blues, who had productive talks with the Portuguese side over a deal for the Argentine World Cup winner, could continue their remarkable spending this January by making a last-ditch bid for the Caicedo.

READ MORE: Premier League 2022/23 January transfers: All the Done Deals

Fernandez is the club’s top target ahead of the Tuesday deadline - with it thought that a deal is edging closer, having tracked the player for the entirety of this month.

Even though Benfica had been adamant that Chelsea would have to pay the full release clause of £106m in one lump sum for Fernandez, the west London side are willing to pay £10m more as an incentive to pay in instalments, making the total fee of £115m.

The Blues, who had a bid rejected this month for the youngster, have spent more than £450m on signings since the end of last season.

And even though they are on their way to eclipsing the record fee Manchester City paid to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021 - £100m - Caicedo remains a target for Graham Potter’s side.

His side have already made the additions of Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke and the loan signing of Joao Felix, this month.

Chelsea and Arsenal in for midfielders

Chelsea had a £55m bid rejected this month for Caicedo, who is also wanted by Arsenal for this window as they contend with injuries in midfield.

The Gunners, though, have been linked with a move for Blues veteran Jorginho.

Brighton remain adamant the 21-year-old is not for sale and any move for Caicedo could be dependent on outgoings at Stamford Bridge.