Chelsea switch attention to Prem midfield duo, despite deal for £100m-rated star still progressing
Chelsea have reportedly sounded out both Romeo Lavia and Amadou Onana, while they’re still holding out hope of snaring £100million-rated Moises Caicedo.
That the Blues’ summer transfer window is set to be a big one goes without saying at this point. After a spend north of £500million over the last two transfer windows, who would be bold enough to suggest the spending won’t continue?
A few star names have already made way. Namely Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, alongside Kalidou Koulibaly – who only joined last season – and Edouard Mendy.
More players are expected to make way soon – Mason Mount is reportedly finally on his way to Manchester United.
Big outgoings are obviously in order to ensure the books are stable enough for some big names to walk through the door.
One that’s already done so is Christopher Nkunku, joining for £52million from RB Leipzig. It would be a massive surprise if a few players weren’t to follow.
Brighton midfielder Caicedo has been a main target for the Blues for some time. They attempted to sign him in January – as did Arsenal – but failed to do so.
Reports have suggested they’re still keen on him this summer, too, and are set to open talks soon.
Chelsea hopeful of driving down Caicedo price
It’s been suggested Brighton are holding out for £100million in order to see Caicedo leave. That owes to the fact Arsenal lodged north of that for Declan Rice, and they’re using him as a barometer.
The Evening Standard reports Chelsea are hopeful they can snare Caicedo for £80million in any case.
Other steps have seemingly already been ticked off. Indeed, it’s stated the midfielder has ‘broadly agreed personal terms’ with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Whether or not the Blues can agree terms over the transfer with Brighton remains to be seen.
Chelsea have eyes on a few prizes
And if they don’t do so, or even perhaps if they can, they’ve got a couple of midfield stars lined up beyond Caicedo.
The Evening Standard suggests they want to sign ‘more than one midfielder’, given Mount is leaving, alongside Kovacic – and Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante are soon to do so.
Beyond Gabri Veiga, who has been the subject of talks already, Premier League pair Lavia and Onana have reportedly been ‘sounded out’. Both men are targets for other Premier League sides – Lavia has become a target for most of the big names in England.
With that being said, it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea could beat any side to either man.
However, with their gung-ho transfer policy, they’re likely to have a good crack at doing so for both men.
