Chelsea moves for Caicedo and Onana risk COLLAPSING

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 19 Jun 2023 10:49 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea may have to turn their attention away from Moises Caicedo and Andre Onana, amid apparent concerns over potential transfer fees.

The Blues have been strongly linked with the Brighton midfielder and Inter Milan goalkeeper as they look to bolster their squad for new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

But neither player would come cheap – and, after splurging around £600m (€700m) in the first two transfer windows since Todd Boehly’s takeover, Chelsea will have to rein in their spending somewhat this summer in order to avoid possible Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches.

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According to 90min, the Blues are worried about the financial feasibility of getting deals done for Caicedo and Onana, and are considering cheaper options instead.

Brighton are said to be demanding almost £100m (€117m) for Caicedo – who was one of their standout players of a fine 2022/23 campaign which saw them achieve European qualification for the first time in their history.

The Ecuador international was pursued by Chelsea and Arsenal back in January – but Brighton held firm in the face of not insignificant bids from the two London clubs.

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A familiar face to keep his place between the sticks?

As for Onana – who shone during his first season with Inter, helping them reach the Champions League final – he could set Chelsea back roughly £50m (€58m).

The Blues may not make an upgrade in goal at all, though: Pochettino is reportedly prepared to persevere with the under-fire Kepa Arrizabalga as number one next term.

Meanwhile, Chelsea seem to be closing in on their first signing of Pochettino’s tenure: the two-time European champions appear poised to activate the release clause for Villareal and Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson.