Moisés Caicedo is the latest name linked with the exit door at Brighton & Hove Albion, and it is Premier League rivals Chelsea who are desperate to add the midfielder to Mauricio Pochettino's squad. With transfer speculation continuing, we want to cut out the noise and get right to the good bits! How much is Moisés Caicedo worth and what would Brighton allow for him to leave?
Caicedo, who will turn 22 in October, has spent the last two-and-a-half years at the Amex Stadium after signing from Independiente del Valle for £4.5million. The Ecuador international has been the subject of interest from quite a few Premier League clubs over the last year or so, most notable Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The player himself has had a mixed involvement during the Seagulls' pre-season campaign, which is currently seeing them participate in the Premier League Summer Series in USA. Out of a possible 180 minutes, Caicedo has only played in 26 of Brighton's two clashes to date. Ironically, he sat out Brighton's clash with Chelsea completely; wise given the intense transfer speculation.
Or is it speculation? Well, we do know that Chelsea have made offers for the talented performer. After a £70million offer was rejected last week, Brighton have now dismissed a bid of £80million from the Stamford Bridge club, according to Sky Sports. Personal terms with the player should not be an issue, given he wants the club, so it is all down to the fee.
Moisés Caicedo: How much do Brighton value him?
Numerically, Brighton are said to want a price in the region of £100million, if they are to allow Caicedo to move on. Therefore, Chelsea are some £20million short as thing stand. With the two clubs not currently in active talks as things stand, it could be that Chelsea may be preparing to walk away from the deal, or return with a better offer for Brighton to ponder.
The reason for Brighton's valuation is mainly due to the fact that Arsenal parted way with something close to £100million to sign Declan Rice this summer from West Ham United. The Brighton hierarchy deem Caicedo should be classed similarly, and are not prepared to let him go for a cut-price fee, even though they'd make a massive profit on him no matter what.
Brighton are adamant that they do not want to lose the player, but clearly every player has his price. They will not budge, just as they did in January when Arsenal came calling. Perhaps Chelsea are thinking again, and it might be that they no longer wish to pursue with this deal.
Caicedo will surely need minutes ahead of the new season, no matter who he is playing for. Brighton are next in Premier League Summer Series action in the early hours of Saturday morning when they face Newcastle United at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. It will certainly be interesting to see if Caicedo plays any part in that, or if he's involved full stop.
