Caicedo to Chelsea transfer can unlock more ‘big name’ deals for Pochettino

Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell believes signing Moises Caicedo from Brighton will allow for multiple ‘big name’ players to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Blues are currently locked in talks with the Seagulls over the sale of the Ecuador international after seeing two offers turned down already. Caicedo wants to move to Stamford Bridge and Brighton will let him leave, but only for what they believe is the right price.

They continue to brief only £100million will see the 21-year-old leave the Amex Stadium this summer. However, there has been a confidence throughout this process from Chelsea that £80m will be enough to land the midfielder before the transfer window closes.

The deal, however, is not close to being completed – but Chelsea will continue to probe with Brighton to try and compromise on a fee to bring Caicedo to west London. Chelsea have already seen three central midfielders – in N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – leave the club this summer and there could be another departure as well.

Chelsea turned down an offer from West Ham United, believed to be around £40m, for Conor Gallagher on Monday, football.london understands. The England international is said to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge this summer while the club will sell him for the right price.

Tottenham are also big admirers of Gallagher and could look to rival the Hammers for his signature. As of now, though, West Ham are the only side to have entered talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign the Cobham graduate.

READ MORE:Chelsea are three signings away from handing Mauricio Pochettino perfect starting XI

What’s been said?

Sidwell has been speaking about the possible incoming of Caicedo and believes him coming to Stamford Bridge could see more high profile names join him. Meanwhile, he also spoke about the future of Gallagher and how Caicedo moving to Chelsea could influence his future.

“There is an element where it is building for the future, but again, they do need that experience,” Sidwell said on the Sky Bet Fan Hope Survey. “I do believe they’re going to be getting some high-profile top names.

“If they can get Moises Caicedo over the line from Brighton, that will fill that midfield gap. That’s going to be someone that can hopefully persuade other big names to come in and fill that gap as well.”

He added: “There’s talk of Conor Gallagher being linked with everywhere and I know for a fact he wants to stay at Chelsea and sees himself being a Chelsea player. It’s a huge season for Gallagher, but if you’ve got someone like Caicedo as well in there, who has been immense for Brighton, he’s dictated that he wants to get this move over the line and I’m sure it will get done.

“Brighton will hold out and their value is their value, they don’t need the money, Tony Bloom is a very astute owner. But if you get someone like Caicedo over the line, in that area of midfield which is what they need so much at the moment, it is a huge boost for the football club and the dressing room.

“Being in dressing rooms myself where you get new players coming in, high-profile players, it gives everyone a lift. Not because you want to impress that player but the dressing room, the style of play, the level of play, it all goes up a percent at a time.”

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