Graham Potter has apparently conversed with Moises Caicedo in private about potentially signing for Chelsea this month.
Ben Jacobs disclosed this information to Chelsea Fan TV yesterday, ahead of another topsy turvy day in the transfer saga that is still yet to reach its conclusion.
Caicedo’s possible departure from Brighton & Hove Albion has fans from across London on tenterhooks as the winter window gradually closes shut.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal are said to be jostling for the midfielder’s signature, with the player himself actively trying to orchestrate a move.
The 21-year-old did not turn up for training today, having been ordered by Brighton to stay clear of first-team duties until the start of February.
In the meantime, Caicedo has reportedly handed in a transfer request, and took to social media to publicly express his desire to exit the Amex.
This will certainly have encouraged Chelsea in their pursuit of the Ecuador international.
Moises Caicedo might still head to Chelsea this month
Todd Boehly and his crew have already been rejected once by Brighton, who also battered away an approach from Arsenal earlier in the week.
But this latest update might give the two capital city adversaries more incentive to try their luck again.
Especially those from Stamford Bridge, who could use Caicedo’s old manager as leverage to beat the Gunners.
“My sense is the first club to agree a deal with Brighton will be the club that Caicedo goes to, because I don’t think that he’s got as defined loyalty to either,” voiced expert transfer journalist Jacobs.
“Chelsea’s interest is definitely more long-standing. And he has already held conversations as I understand it with Graham Potter.”
Potter and Caicedo formed a close relationship during the former’s days by the South Coast.
The Blues boss was in charge when the latter joined Brighton in 2021.
A reunion could be on the cards, but only at a hefty price.
Roberto de Zerbi’s employers have apparently set Caicedo’s price tag at £90m, and will not accept anything else from Chelsea or Arsenal.
Sign off this deal, and Boehly will have secured the second-most expensive recruit in the club’s history.
Just ask yourself, Todd: is it worth the money?