Time is running out for Chelsea to sign Moises Caicedo in time for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues are lining up a fresh offer for the Ecuador international, Soccerhuz.com understands, after seeing their first three bids turned down by the stubborn Brighton. The latest offer, believed to be around £80million altogether, was still some way under Brighton’s valuation of £100m.
Chelsea, though – for what seems like the 100th time of writing this over the summer – will once again step up their efforts in the coming days as they look to get the situation resolved. Caicedo is desperate to complete the move but will only be able to do so if his employers play ball.
In an ideal world, Chelsea would love to get Caicedo in through the door before they take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. However, to do that, he will need to be registered by the Premier League as a Chelsea player before it hits 12pm on Friday afternoon, as per the official rules.
Caicedo missed Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano as a precaution, but will almost certainly feature at the weekend – whether that is for Chelsea or the Seagulls. If it is for the former, then he could slot in alongside Enzo Fernandez in a double pivot in the 4-2-3-1 formation. If not, then there is every chance it will be youngster Andrey Santos.
Behind them is likely to be Kepa Arrizabalaga. Despite Robert Sanchez being signed from Brighton at the weekend, Kepa may well get the nod in between the posts against Liverpool, despite there still being some concerns over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
