Chelsea target Caicedo ‘has heart set’ on the Blues despite Man Utd interest

Brighton star Moises Caicedo reportedly has his heart set on joining Chelsea this summer amid interest from other Premier League clubs. The midfielder expects to be on the move over the coming weeks and ‘positive talks’ are ongoing between the clubs.

Mauricio Pochettino made it his mission upon arrival in the Stamford Bridge dugout to rebuild his midfield ranks, allowing those who are surplus to requirements to leave the club and also pushing wantaway stars closer to the exit. As a result, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all departed, and further exits in that department are anticipated.

The former Spurs boss is now prioritising acquiring midfield reinforcements with his new-found funds and has identified Caicedo as his top target – who has been long-admired by the Blues. Talks with Brighton have been ongoing, though fears were growing that a deal may not be reached due to the extended negotiations.

However, Football.London report that talks have taken a ‘positive’ turn in the last few days and Caicedo is fixated on joining Chelsea. The Ecuador international has his ‘heart set’ on making the switch to Stamford Bridge and the arrival of offers from other Premier League outfits will not turn his head.

The playmaker has verbally agreed on personal terms with Chelsea, which the club believe is a significant vote of confidence in their project. Manchester United are also cited as holding an interest in Caicedo, though Erik ten Hag is unlikely to be able to persuade the midfielder to head north to Old Trafford.

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are preparing a fresh bid for their midfield target that will exceed £70million in the hope of wrapping up a deal so that they can integrate the midfielder into their squad for pre-season. The Blues have previously seen an offer of £60m knocked back, though there are fears that the second bid could also be swiftly rejected by Brighton due to their valuation of £100m.