Chelsea line up USMNT star as Caicedo alternative
Tom Weber
- 1 Aug 2023 17:29 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are preparing for the possibility of missing out on Moises Caicedo.
The Blues have been locked in tense negotiations for the Ecuadorian wonderkid for weeks, but Brighton have thus far refused to budge from their €116 million valuation. Chelsea have seen four offers knocked back by the Seagulls, who believe that their midfielder is worth as much as Declan Rice, who moved to Arsenal for a British record fee.
Despite previously being prepared to pay eye-watering sums for players - which also surely informed Brighton's asking price - Todd Boehly and company are unwilling to spend that much on the 21-year-old. With just one month left in the transfer window and only a few weeks to go until the start of the season, the Blues are looking at potential alternatives.
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One of them could be Lesley Ugochukwu, who will arrive from Stade Rennais for €27.5m. But it is thought that the 19-year-old is not being signed to be an immediate starter and will most likely head out on loan to sister club Strasbourg. Chelsea, therefore, are looking at other options, including a USMNT star.
Chelsea want Adams
The man in question is Tyler Adams from relegated Leeds, according to The Times. The 24-year-old has impressed wherever he has played and he was one of the few bright spots in a dire Leeds team last term.
The Athletic reports that he has a relegation release clause that allows him to move on for close to the fee that Leeds signed him for last term. This would make him a bargain compared to the Brighton man as his transfer from RB Leipzig only cost the Yorkshire club €17m.
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He could be a solid solution should Chelsea indeed miss out on Caicedo, though it is unlikely that he will ever reach the level of his Ecuadorian counterpart. His injury record may also prove an issue.
Adams has been out of action for several months due to a hamstring injury and at Leipzig, he struggled with recurring adductor issues. His fitness can be a problem and after failing to do their due diligence with the signing of injury-stricken Wesley Fofana, Chelsea may think twice about signing Adams.
