Chelsea, Arsenal midfield target gives ‘green light’ to £80m move; official Blues bid ‘on the way’

Chelsea have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ on personal terms with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to reports. 

The 21-year-old has also been linked with Arsenal, but everything is pointing towards him making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo was arguably one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League last term. So, he arguably has the quality to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around.

Mauricio Pochettino is charged with taking the Blues back up the table. To do so, he will have to rebuild his squad, a process that has already begun.

One of his key focuses, though, will be midfield. The manager has already lost N’Golo Kante, while Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic are both heavily linked with departures.

Therefore, Pochettino may need to bring in more than one midfielder this summer. And, he is working hard on signing Caicedo.

According to Football Insider, the Ecuador international has ‘verbally agreed to the Blues’ contract offer’ and ‘given Chelsea the green light’ to what will be a huge-money move worth over £80million.’

Indeed, Brighton want around £100m for Caicedo. But, Chelsea believe they can get him for less, with an official bid reportedly ‘on the way.’

READ MORE: Pochettino in dreamland as Chelsea see unusual bid accepted for striker who tore LaLiga apart

Arsenal lagging behind Chelsea in Caicedo race

Now, Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has backed up Football Insider’s report. He claims that it is much more likely Caicedo will join Chelsea than Arsenal this summer.

“Moises Caicedo to Arsenal? Are we going to see Caicedo at Arsenal?” Sheth was asked on Hayters TV. 

“Maybe, maybe not. More between a no and a maybe. Caicedo with the noises I’m hearing is more Chelsea with Caicedo,” Sheth said.

As mentioned Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Caicedo, even submitting a £70m bid for him in January.

But, Mikel Arteta has since switched his focus to Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia, with the latter ‘close’ to finalising a switch to the Emirates.

But, Arsenal have ran into problems in their pursuit of Rice. Indeed, Manchester City are set to rival the Gunners for the West Ham star by submitting a ‘hefty’ official bid.

As a result, Arteta could come back in for Caicedo, if he misses out on Rice, who is his primary target.

But, as it stands, Chelsea remain in the driving seat for the Brighton star. So, it will be interesting to see what transfer fee the Blues bid for him, which should arrive in the very near future.

READ MORE: Report names first transfer between Chelsea and Strasbourg after takeover deal agreed, with 17-goal striker hunted