Chelsea turn to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo as search for midfielder goes on

Chelsea are lining up a move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo after encountering frustration in attempts to bolster their midfield by signing Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

With N’Golo Kante out with a long-term hamstring injury and uncertainty over Jorginho’s future, Graham Potter is prioritising a midfielder. Chelsea have been in talks with Benfica over Fernandez but are looking at alternatives after failing to agree a fee for the Argentina international.

The search has led to Chelsea taking a closer look at Moises Caicedo to possibly fill what is becoming a gaping hole in midfield.

Chelsea are big admirers of Caicedo, who was coached by Potter at Brighton, and are weighing up a bid for the Ecuadorian. His ability to drive forward from deep as well possessing excellent tactical awareness will be vital traits for a Chelsea side low on confidence

It is likely Brighton will try to keep Caicedo, who is also a target for Liverpool. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are pushing for European qualification and will be keen not to lose any big players. Brighton also demonstrated they are no pushovers in the transfer market when they made Chelsea pay £62m for Marc Cucurella last summer..

Chelsea have had a soft centre since losing Kante last August. They want to extend his contract beyond the end of the season but the 31-year-old’s fitness problems have heightened the need for improvements in midfield. 

There is also pressure on Chelsea to act given Jorginho is increasingly likely to leave on a free this summer.