Chelsea’s move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo has hit a snag, with the Seagulls demanding the inclusion of Levi Colwill in the deal, according to the Guardian.
Brighton rejected a £70 million offer from the Blues last week, and they look set to make things difficult for the two-time Champions League winners.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign one or two defensive midfielders this summer and has set his sights on Caicedo.
Brighton’s stance should be unsurprising to the Blues as they had demanded the inclusion of Colwill in Chelsea’s £57 million purchase of Marc Cucurella.
Their demands stalled negotiations, but they eventually settled on a one-year loan. The player impressed during his loan spell, and they want him back.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi wants Caicedo and Colwill in his squad next season. De Zerbi even quipped they could offer European football, unlike Chelsea.
However, Chelsea do not want to lose Colwill as they see him as an integral part of their squad.
Pochettino is a massive fan of the England Under-21 international. The Argentine manager said he could be one of the greatest defenders in English history.
They rejected Brighton’s bids for the player and are keen on keeping him beyond his contract, which expires in 2025. They have offered him a new deal.
Chelsea are short of defensive options following long-term injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
They have sold Kalidou Koulibaly, and Trevoh Chalobah is attracting attention in the transfer market.
Brighton remain keen on Colwill despite their imminent signing of Igor Julio from Fiorentina.
Chelsea must now consider whether they are ready to let go of the promising defender to sign Caicedo.
They don’t want to pay Brighton’s £100m asking price for the Ecuadorean, but they will make a third bid soon.
