Chelsea are very much “active” in the race to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and they are “serious” about signing Romeo Lavia as well, Dean Jones has told Sportsbuffer.
The Blues are looking to bolster their midfield this summer. Mateo Kovacic is edging closer to joining Manchester City, while Mason Mount is attracting interest from Manchester United.
Caicedo, 21, was targeted by Arsenal in the January window and they had a £70m bid rejected for him.
The Gunners are still keen to sign him, but it appears that the Blues are more actively looking to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
The Telegraph recently claimed that Brighton are expected to demand more than £70m for their star midfielder, while there are suggestions that the fee could be around £100m as well.
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Friday (16 June) that talks between the two clubs for Caicedo will take place next week and the conversation on personal terms is very advanced. The Blues are willing to negotiate a deal for around £80m.
Chelsea news: Jones shares latest updates on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia
Jones adds that not only the Blues are looking to secure a deal for Caicedo, but they are also looking to land Southampton midfielder Lavia as well.
The Independent claimed that Arsenal are favourite at the moment to land the 19-year-old midfielder, but Jones says that Chelsea admire his “technical ability”.
Jones exclusively told Sportsbuffer: “I would say that Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo is active and that they are serious about Romeo Lavia too.
“This focus Chelsea have on such young talent is intriguing – these two are pretty inexperienced in terms of the Premier League. But Chelsea like the profiles, are confident in their technical ability, and will look to progress.”
Lavia impressed heavily last season, but he could be looking to move after the Saints dropped down to the Championship.
The Times reported in May that Lavia would cost in the region of £40m, so Chelsea may have to pay more than £120m if they are looking to sign both of them.
Chelsea are also keen to sign a striker this summer, and they have reportedly reached a personal agreement with Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson.
