06 June 2023 , 00:00
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Chelsea have stepped up in their interest in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo after pulling out of the race to sign Manuel Ugarte.
Both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain had triggered Ugarte's £52m release clause, but the French club gained the edge after deciding to significantly up their bid. As a result, Mirror Football understands Chelsea are no longer pursuing Ugarte and the 22-year-old looks set to swap Sporting CP for PSG.
Incoming Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to strengthen his midfield and, after ending their pursuit of Ugarte, they are now looking at Caicedo. Both Chelsea and Arsenal did try to sign him in January, but Brighton refused to let him leave midway through the season.
However, manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted Caicedo is now likely to leave this summer and the Daily Mail claim that Chelsea are planning to make a player-plush-cash offer for the Ecuadorian.
The report states that have been 'evaluating' which of their fringe players could be included to sweeten the deal. The obvious answer would be Levi Colwill, who impressed on loan at Brighton and was the subject of a £30m bid from Brighton last week.
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However, Chelsea rejected that offer and Pochettino is said to be an admirer of Colwill, viewing the 20-year-old defender as a key player for the future. Brighton, meanwhile, are also set to lose Alexis Mac Allister this summer with the midfielder on the verge of a move to Liverpool.
Chelsea are plotting a swoop for Brighton star Moises Caicedo (Getty Images)And with both Caicedo and Mac Allister expected to depart, Brighton are looking at free agents to strengthen their midfield. The Seagulls have reportedly agreed a four-year deal with Mahmoud Dahoud after his Borussia Dortmund contract expired.
James Milner has also been heavily linked with Brighton after leaving Liverpool and it appears that deal is close to being completed. De Zerbi is keen to strengthen his squad after Brighton finished sixth this season, qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.
"I am really proud for this season, but we want to write our own history of our club for our fans, for ourselves," De Zerbi proclaimed. "To qualify in the Europa League with Brighton is more important than winning the Premier League with a big, big team."