Moises Caicedo reveals it was only ever Chelsea after completing £115m move as second big Liverpool hijack nears

New Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has revealed that he was only ever interested in joining the Blues after completing his move from Brighton for an initial £100million, possibly rising to £115m after add-ons.

A deal for the midfielder was finally agreed late on Sunday night after a lengthy saga that saw the Seagulls knock back three bids for the 21-year-old, who at one point looked like he was heading to Liverpool.

Caicedo underwent a medical and agreed personal terms on Monday and has signed an eight-year contract with the club.

Caicedo said: “I am so happy to join Chelsea! I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club.

“It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: “Moises has proved himself as a standout player in European football over the past 18 months, and we are thrilled to add him to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

“Moises possesses a rare midfield skill set and is a player we’ve been targeting for some time. We believe he will make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge this season – and in the years ahead.”

READ MORE: A full list of every completed Premier League transfer in the 2023 summer transfer window

Chelsea also closing in on Lavia

It’s also understood that Chelsea have won the race to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton after the midfielder picked Stamford Bridge over a move to Anfield.

Though a fee is yet to be agreed, the 19-year-old has indicated his desire to join Mauricio Pochettino’s side and negotiations will now take place over personal terms, with the deal likely to be worth in excess of £50million.

It is the second time in less than 24 hours that the club have beaten Liverpool to a key transfer target following Caicedo’s capture.

It’s only ever been Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/LCYf6A2BQr

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2023

Belgium international Lavia has played just 29 Premier League games since joining Southampton from Manchester City last summer but was a standout performer last season despite Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

Liverpool had reportedly agreed a deal worth £60m to sign Lavia as Klopp looks to reinforce his midfield following a clutch of departures, but look set to miss out again in an echo of their failure to lure Caicedo, for whom a £111m fee had been agreed before Chelsea stepped in.

READ MORE: Deal announced, as big-money Chelsea star seals exit with full explanation due tomorrow