Chelsea DUMP Caicedo for €130m star
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 31 Jul 2023 06:31 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea could end negotiations to sign Moises Caicedo and instead move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.
That is according to Spanish media publication Nacional, which reports that Chelsea are close to giving up on Caicedo.
Chelsea have had two bids rejected by Brighton for Caicedo, and recently had an €82 million offer turned down.
READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
The Athletic reports that Brighton are demanding €116m (£100m) for Caicedo.
Caicedo is desperate to join the Blues but given the huge gap between Chelsea’s offer and Brighton’s request, Nacional reports they could move on to other targets.
Indeed, the publication reports that Chelsea are looking at Real Madrid midfielder Valverde instead.
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Real Madrid have already rejected an €80m bid from Liverpool and €100m offers from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.
But Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is prepared to bid €130m for the Uruguay star, as well as quintuple his salary.
What did Valverde say about leaving Real Madrid?
Valverde himself was asked about the prospect of leaving Real Madrid last month.
"No, no… I'm at Madrid," he said when asked by ESPN Argentina about a potential move to Chelsea in June.
“I'm trying to enjoy every moment and leave my mark on the best club in the world. I want to keep winning titles for Real Madrid fans."
Valverde has been one of Real Madrid’s most improved players in the last couple of seasons but faces increased competition in midfield next season from new signing Jude Bellingham.
