Chelsea make huge Moises Caicedo decision as Man City pull out of £105m transfer for Arsenal target Declan Rice

Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton & Hove Albion for Moises Caicedo within the next 24-48 hours, according to reports.

The 21-year-old is wanted by Chelsea to strengthen Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield, which has already lost N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic this summer, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz also on the verge of departing.

Caicedo, who has been linked to Arsenal and Manchester United, has been earmarked as the Blues’ main target and personal terms with the Ecuador international, who has been told he will be able to leave if a suitable offer is made, won’t be an issue.

It’s thought Brighton value Caicedo in excess of £80 million. Chelsea have already had a £60 million bid rejected. It remains unclear how much Pochettino’s side will be willing to fork out to try to land Caicedo.

Arsenal were considering a move for Caicedo but look set to win the race for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice after lodging an offer of £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons, which has now seen Manchester City withdraw from the race.

It could give Chelsea a free run at Caicedo and now, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are set to resume this week.

Fabrizio Romano claims negotiations are set to take place between the clubs within the next 24-48 hours, with Chelsea now prepared to ‘attack’ the deal.

Outgoings have been the priority in recent weeks in an attempt to trim the bloated squad as much as possible ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season return next week. Kalidou Koulibaly also left the club this week, while Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech are both on the verge of leaving for Saudi Arabia.