Chelsea identify Moises Caicedo transfer alternative after Brighton talks stall

03 August 2023 , 05:30

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Chelsea are growing frustrated after seeing a fourth bid rejected for Moises Caicedo and have now identified an alternative (Image: Getty)

Chelsea have identified Tyler Adams as an alternative should they fail to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

The Blues have launched four bids for the Seagulls star, 21, who burst onto the scene in the Premier League following a transfer from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle. However, their attempts to sign the midfielder so far have fallen short, with the latest offer worth £80million being rejected, with Brighton holding out for £100m.

Chelsea could turn to Adams, 24, who was relegated with Leeds United last season and has a £20m release clause in his contract. It is a somewhat left-field option as the Blues get creative in the transfer market having so far been thwarted in their Caicedo pursuit.

Chelsea, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, are not the only Premier League side interested in snapping up Adams, with Aston Villa also reportedly keen. Manager Unai Emery is keen to continue his rebuild at Villa Park and Adams is one of the names on his list to help build on this summer's already impressive list of signings that include Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, and Youri Tielemans.

Adams joined Leeds last summer from RB Leipzig and went on to make 26 appearances for the Elland Road club on its way to relegation. He was unable to utilise his wealth of European and international experience, having captained his country at the Qatar World Cup late last year.

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Fellow US stars Weston McKennie, and Brenden Aaronson also join Adams in having a relegation on their CV following poor spells at Leeds. McKennie has since returned to parent club Juventus following his disastrous loan spell, while Aaronson has joined German and Champions League club Union Berlin on a temporary basis.

Chelsea could turn to £20m alternative Tyler Adams (Getty)

Chelsea have already spent £119.5m in the summer transfer window, confirming the signings of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Angelo. Jackson, in particular, has caught the eye since his transfer from Villarreal.

The striker has two goals to his name, while also impressing with his overall skillset. Nkunku has also chipped in with a couple of goals, which could help ease the pain of losing Cobham Academy product Mason Mount to Manchester United this summer.

Angelo, meanwhile, has impressed Pochettino so much so, that the former Tottenham and PSG boss is looking to block any potential loan transfer for the Brazilian this season. Pre-season has seen the Argentine have a change of heart on Angelo, who has featured regularly in the US for the Stamford Bridge club.

Joshua Mbu