The two London clubs have been provided with an estimate of the cost it would take to secure the services of the 21-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder, who has garnered attention following his impressive performances at Brighton.
Despite Arsenal’s unsuccessful attempts to sign Caicedo in January, when their two bids were swiftly rejected, the player went on to sign a new long-term contract with Brighton in March, tying him to the club until 2027.
Initially, this extension seemed to suggest that Caicedo would remain at the Amex Stadium for the foreseeable future.
However, recent reports indicate that Chelsea are preparing to make a move for the promising midfielder, albeit with some hesitation regarding the potential price tag.
While Arsenal had been focusing on their pursuit of Rice, the possibility of revisiting a deal for Caicedo has always loomed over Chelsea, especially with Manchester City now reportedly joining the race for Rice’s signature.
In order to avoid any complications, Chelsea are expected to act swiftly in their pursuit of Caicedo.
According to CBS Sports, Chelsea is set to make a significant effort to secure the Ecuadorian, who is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
The report suggests that a deal worth £80 million, with an additional £10 million in add-ons, could be a possibility.
Sources close to Caicedo have stated that their client should not command a fee higher than what Real Madrid paid for Aurelien Tchouameni (£86 million), ironically, a player who may also be on the move this summer.
Chelsea’s interest in Tchouameni dates back to his early days at Bordeaux, and despite an initial bid of €60 million (£51.4 million) being rejected, the London club is contemplating increasing their offer to €80 million (£68.5 million), a figure that might entice Real Madrid.
It is worth noting that a deal to bring Tchouameni to Chelsea was once on the cards during Roman Abramovich’s tenure, but the transfer fell through when Todd Boehly assumed control of the club’s reins.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal and Chelsea will continue to monitor the situations of both Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice closely.
While the former could provide an alternative option for Arsenal if they miss out on Rice, it remains to be seen which club will secure the services of these highly sought-after midfield talents.
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