Chelsea consider audacious bid for Caicedo after record Fernandez deal
Chelsea could go back in for Arsenal target Moises Caicedo as they also close in on a club-record deal for Enzo Fernandez.
The Blues were linked with the Brighton star earlier in the window, but their interest cooled as Arsenal pushed to sign the Ecuadorian. The Gunners have had several bids turned down, with the Seagulls adamant they are not selling their midfielder despite his desire to leave.
Chelsea could yet test their resolve, however, with another late bid, according to the Guardian, although any move is likely to depend on the potential outgoings in west London. Jorginho and Conor Gallagher are the two men most likely to leave Stamford Bridge.
Jorginho's contract is winding down and the club would rather recoup a fee for him than lose him for nothing in the summer. Arsenal have been linked with a swoop should they admit defeat in their pursuit of Caicedo. Meanwhile, Gallagher is attracting interest from Everton and could command a hefty price.
Todd Boehly's immediate priority, however, is wrapping up a deal for the World Cup's best young player. Fernandez's efforts with Argentina saw him recognised individually, which meant Benfica were always likely to face increased interest in the man they signed in the summer.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
The Portuguese club did want Fernandez's £106m release clause paid in one lump sum, which would've been problematic for Chelsea as they attempt to stay within the FFP guidelines. It now appears as if a £115m deal has been struck that will allow the Blues to pay the fee in instalments.
Will Chelsea sign a midfielder on deadline day? Have your say in the comments!
Moises Caicedo wants to leave Brighton amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea (CameraSport via Getty Images)
Enzo Fernandez saw his reputation rise at the World Cup (DeFodi Images via Getty Images)If a deal is completed it will not only break Chelsea's record transfer fee they paid for Romelu Lukaku 18 months ago, but also shatter the record fee paid by a British club, which is currently the £100m Manchester City shelled out to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.
If Fernandez does arrive at Stamford Bridge he will join Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke - who have all been signed permanently. Graham Potter's side have also been bolstered by the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
Boehly and Chelsea's investment backers Clearlake Capital have underlined their wealth since acquiring the club in the summer. They've already spent over £450m on new recruits with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella moving to the club several months ago.
That has not yet translated itself to success on the pitch with Potter, who took over from Tuchel in September, winning just nine of his 21 games since taking charge as Chelsea face the prospect of missing out on the top four and Champions League football.
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