Romano delivers 'Chelsea 100%' verdict over transfer target

James Shearman

• Updated: 9 Jun 2023 06:51 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Chelsea are '100 percent' in the race to sign Moises Caicedo this summer.

The Brighton midfielder is also a transfer target of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Both the Blues and the Gunners tried to sign Caicedo in the January window before being priced out of a move.

READ: Chelsea star 'blown away' by HUGE contract offer

But FootballTransfers exclusively revealed last week that the Ecuadorian will cost between £70-80 million in this window.

And he is fully expecting to leave in the coming months, despite signing a new long-term contract in March.

Caicedo is said to have reached an agreement with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi whereby he can move on as long as an acceptable proposal is made.

Caicedo to Chelsea?

While Arsenal and Manchester United were better than Chelsea in the 2022-23 campaign, they are not necessarily more exciting projects for Caicedo to be a part of.

The Blues are undergoing a rebuild under new ownership which will be led by former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino going forward.

Pochettino's best attribute is developing players and Caicedo (21 years of age) would be a key part of a youthful squad at Stamford Bridge.

— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) June 8, 2023

Not only that, Caicedo could form an excellent midfield partnership with World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez has already shone in his short career at the west London club but could be elevated by having a defensive-minded player alongside him.

Caicedo should definitely consider a move to the Blues, although European football could be present an issue, especially with Brighton recently qualifying for the Europa League.