An unnamed Saudi Arabian club have reportedly made an approach for wantaway Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, despite strong interest from Chelsea.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim that the Saudi side, who remain unknown, have not yet made an offer to the Seagulls but have intimated to Brighton what they’d be willing to offer for the Ecuadorian midfielder.
This represents a huge blow for Chelsea as the ramifications of another side getting involved in the deal are obvious.
If this Saudi side were to offer around £100m for the 21-year-old midfielder, even though Caicedo might turn them down, it would still allow Brighton to say their valuation is justified.
And in doing so would force Chelsea to raise their offer for the midfielder, with their last offer being around £80 million.
‘Chelsea will go back in’
According to the same information from Sky Sports, which was relayed by journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Blues are planning to go back in with another offer for the midfielder at some point in this window whether it’s now or later on in the window remains to be seen.
The risk with leaving it late in the window is that Brighton may feel they don’t have enough time to source a replacement for the Ecuadorian. This may lead to Brighton rejecting Chelsea’s offer even if it matches their valuation, which is believed to be around £100 million according to the Daily Mail.
Crucially, Sky Sports also say that the midfielder is keen on making the move to Stamford Bridge. Whether this stance would change if this reported Saudi side were to come in with an offer remains to be seen.
Another point of view could well be that Brighton are trying to force Chelsea’s hands, as they are surely aware that Caicedo is the Blues’ top target for their midfield rebuild which is in dire need of change.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
