Chelsea shortlist two new midfielders as Moises Caicedo talks stall

Chelsea have seen recent outgoings in their midfield this summer. Big names include Mateo Kovacic departing to Manchester City, and Mason Mount making a controversial switch to Manchester United. While he rarely played in the Chelsea midfield, Kai Havertz has also left, as has N’Golo Kante, joining Al Ittihad on a free transfer. Midfielder Omari Hutchinson has joined Ipswich Town on a season-long loan, while Cesare Casadei is expected to also secure a loan move. Conor Gallagher is also likely to find a new club this summer. So where exactly does that leave their midfield situation?

Chelsea are desperately trying to add Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, but discussions have stalled in recent weeks. The Top Flight has reported recently that Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi stated Caicedo will stay until the owner changes his mind.

Now while it is too earlier to say Chelsea’s talks for Moises Caicedo are over, it certainly feels like there’s growing frustration between the two clubs. The Guardian is now reporting that talks have fully stalled because Brighton insists on wanting Levi Colwill in a Moises Caicedo deal. Additionally, Chelsea is not willing to meet Brighton’s locked-in transfer price of £100m for Caicedo.

Evening Standard is reporting that Mauricio Pochettino is willing to have two more midfielders added to the squad. Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, and Carney Chukwuemeka are the only midfielders currently expected to start the season with the club. While Moises Caicedo is the number one priority, two young midfielders are shortlisted as transfer targets for the club.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is once again seen as someone they are keeping a close eye on. Chelsea had a £50M bid for Lavia rejected back in January and could circle back on the Belgian if a Caicedo deal cannot be completed. The other listed midfield target is Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga, who has a £34M release clause. Veiga is much more of an attacking option than Caicedo but provides immediate help in the Chelsea midfield. He could be a like-for-like replacement for the departed Mason Mount.

What’s next for Chelsea is seeing how far Brighton are willing to go on standing still on Caicedo talks. If things don’t budge before the season starts, the Blues may move towards the likes of Lavia and Veiga.