Transfer Talk: United and Chelsea clash over Caicedo

Moises Caicedo is ready to leave Brighton — but the midfielder's next destination remains unclear.

Chelsea have supposedly been leading the race for the 21-year-old Ecuadorian for some time but now face stiff competition from Manchester United.

We take a closer look at the state of play and consider where Caicedo is likely to eventually end up.

Brighton brilliance

Caicedo is yet another previously unheralded talent who has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom at the Amex.

Handed his Premier League debut a little over 12 months ago by ex-Seagulls boss Graham Potter, the wonderkid has seamlessly adjusted to life in England's top tier.

Continuing his fine performances under Roberto De Zerbi, Caicedo has shown himself to be a physical powerhouse.

Despite his tender age, Rodri and Delcan Rice were the only two Premier League midfielders to regain the ball more frequently in the middle third last term.

Meanwhile, only Rice bettered his tally of 56 interceptions, while his 100 completed tackles only trailed Fulham sensation Joao Palhinha.

He can use the ball, too.

Caicedo ranked third behind only Treble-winner Rodri and Tottenham enforcer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in terms of touches, attempted passes and completed passes in 2022-23.

Blues bid

Arsenal memorably failed with a move for Caicedo last January, with Brighton standing firm despite the South American's public desire to join the Gunners.

While the North Londoners appear to have turned their attention to West Ham skipper Rice, their city rivals Chelsea are now hunting down the Seagulls' No25.

Though the Blues have not been shy on the spending front since Todd Boehly's takeover last year, boss Mauricio Pochettino may soon find himself in need of fresh faces in midfield.

Both Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount are expected to exit Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks and Caicedo is supposedly top of the club's shortlist of replacements.

However, fresh reports suggest Chelsea chiefs are unwilling to pay anything above £80million — leaving them short of Brighton's valuation.

Red Devils dash

Hoping to take advantage of Chelsea's indecision are Manchester United, who have entered the race in recent days.

Ironically, United's interest appears to have piqued due to the lack of progress being made in their attempt to sign their No1 target, Blues midfielder Mount.

With a £55m bid rejected, the Red Devils are now exploring alternatives and Caicedo is a top consideration, alongside Juventus maestro Adrien Rabiot.

Erik ten Hag is looking to clear out several fringe players at Old Trafford this summer and central duo Fred and Scott McTominay have both been linked with the exit door.

Test of nerve

Brighton made it clear in the winter that Caicedo would be allowed to leave this summer.

Yet Seagulls owner Tony Bloom is one of the shrewdest operators in European football and he will not sanction a sale for one of his prized assets unless his valuation is met.

Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister fetched over £100m between them — and Caicedo is three years younger than both of them.

With Brighton qualified for next season's Europa League, it is not out of the question that the 32-cap international stays put.

If Chelsea or United do want him, they should prepare to pay a hefty price.