Fabrizio Romano drops transfer update Chelsea fans will love

Cameron Smith

Updated: 7 Aug 2023 12:16 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea will open talks with Leeds United over a move for American midfielder Tyler Adams as their hunt for Moises Caicedo drags on.

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Caicedo, 21, is seen as the Blues’ primary midfield target, but Brighton & Hove Albion are not willing to budge on their €115 million valuation of the Ecuador international, which has proven to be a large stumbling block for Chelsea.

The west London club have diverted their attention elsewhere recently and have added the likes of Lesley Ugochukwu, Axel Disasi and Robert Sanchez in their last week.

Furthermore, they are now prepared to press ahead in their bid to sign Leeds midfielder Adams.

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So far this summer, Mauricio Pochettino has lost six first-team central midfielders, with Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Mason Mount (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Ethan Ampadu (Leeds) and Tiemoue Bakayoko (released) all departing.

As a result, the Blues are keen on adding at least one more new addition in the middle of the park to complement the arrival of Ugochukwu - who may join Strasbourg on loan.

Caicedo is seen as the dream target, but in a move reportedly separate to their pursuit of the Brighton man, Chelsea are now pushing hard for Adams.

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Chelsea want Tyler Adams

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea approached Adams’ camp last week and are now ready to begin discussions with Leeds over a possible move. The two clubs have already indicated this summer, with the aforementioned Ampadu leaving Stamford Bridge for Elland Road on a permanent deal.

© ProShots - Chelsea want to sign Tyler Adams

The Blues are aware that Adams has a €23m (£20m) relegation release clause in his Leeds contract and are set to open talks in the next few days. Furthermore, a deal is not as an alternative to Caicedo.

Adams, 24, made 26 appearances in all competitions for Leeds last season after joining the club from RB Leipzig for €17m. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €37.8m, meaning his €23m release clause would be a bargain for Chelsea.