12 July 2023 , 10:11
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Chelsea target Moises Caicedo has hailed the “incredible” talents of Kendry Paez as he edges towards his own move to West London.
The Blues have already agreed a £17.5m deal with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle to sign the youngster when he turns 18 in two years’ time. He is already regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in South America with a host of clubs having been interested in him.
One man who is a fan of Paez is Brighton star Moises Caicedo, who has praised the youngster ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge. Speaking to La Cancha Con Majo, Caicedo said: “He’s a crack!”
“The truth is there are times where I watch Independiente games, it’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth. I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing.
“All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.”
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Interestingly, Caicedo and Paez could potentially be teammates before long. The Brighton midfielder has regularly been linked with a move to the latter’s future employers Chelsea.
Kendry Paez is set to move to Chelsea after a deal was agreed with his club (Getty Images)Should Chelsea try and sign Moises Caicedo? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The Blues were interested in a deal in the January transfer market, only to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica instead. That has not lowered their interest and fresh reports have surfaced that they could make a renewed attempt to sign him.
Caicedo has done little to dampen rumours of an exit and recently admitted that he would be open to moving to Stamford Bridge. He said: "It's [Chelsea] a big team, that's true.
"A very historic team and I can't say no because it's a very big, historic, beautiful team. The city as well is beautiful."
Whilst Chelsea were in the running for Caicedo’s services back in January, Arsenal were also among the interested parties. The Gunners eyed him as they aimed to bolster their midfield options.
Arsenal also went as far as lodging a number of bids for the midfielder, all of which were rejected by Brighton. That led to Caicedo writing a personal plea on social media to push for a move but the Seagulls remained firm.
He was initially banned from the club’s training ground before being welcomed back. Caicedo then performed a dramatic u-turn by signing a new contract with Brighton and then helped the side to a place in the Europa League.
The 21-year-old’s current deal is set to run until the summer of 2027. Arsenal appear unlikely to renew to renew their interest as they close in on a move for Declan Rice.
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