In Focus: Caicedo the Bright spark Poch needs to ignite Blues

Chelsea are edging closer to the signing of Moises Caicedo. 

The 21-year-old midfielder has been one of the Premier League's most in-demand players after an exceptional 2022-23 season with Brighton. 

Arsenal were heavily linked with him in January but Chelsea appear to be in pole position to secure his signature. 

As Mauricio Pochettino prepares his side for the start of the Premier League season, we take a look at what Caicedo could bring to the Blues.

High praise

Chelsea are in need of midfield reinforcements with Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic all departing this summer.

Caicedo's quality is not in question and he has the backing of former Brighton team-mate Marc Cucurella. 

He said: "I think [Caicedo] wants to come here, I've read in the media a lot of times. For me, I have a really good relationship with him because we played together at Brighton. 

"He's a top player, a good midfielder, if he came here I think we'd have a top midfielder for a long time."

Tough tackler

Caicedo ranked second in the Premier League last season for total tackles (100) and interceptions (56). 

He was also in the division's top three for possessions won in the middle third of the pitch (142), behind only Declan Rice and Rodri. 

That bite and ability to win the ball back in midfield would be welcome for Chelsea, particularly after Kante's departure.

Passing the test

Caicedo is not just a ball-winner, though. 

After a couple of years learning under intelligent coaches in Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, the Ecuadorian is also an accomplished passer.

Last season, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodri completed more passes than Caicedo among Premier League midfielders (1,961). 

With an impressive passing accuracy of 88.77%, he would add plenty of technical quality to Chelsea's new-look midfield under Pochettino.

Freeing Fernandez

The addition of Caicedo could also mean Enzo Fernandez is free to operate slightly further forward. 

After arriving from Benfica for a British-record fee last season, the Argentine looked slightly restricted in the No6 role. 

But Fernandez might be more effective as a more advanced No8. 

He said: "[The No8 is] the position I like the most. I’ve always felt comfortable playing near the goal, looking for pockets of space so I can create a chance or shoot." 

If Caicedo can improve Fernandez's performances, as well as bringing his own qualities to Chelsea's midfield, the Ecuadorian's transfer fee will be money well spent.

Dream move

For Caicedo, a move to Chelsea is the next logical step in a promising career.

He said: "It's a big team, that's true. A very historic team which I can't say no [to joining] because it's a very big, historic, beautiful team. 

"The city as well is beautiful. It's got everything beautiful. 

"I know how to handle it. I don't get carried away by emotions. I'm enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure but I am calm. 

"I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me."