Chelsea readying higher offer for Premier League midfielder

Chelsea left Anfield with a point on Saturday after a goalless draw with Liverpool, but The Blues may have felt that they could have beaten their rivals. 

Graham Potter’s side have struggled in recent weeks – winning just one of their 11 matches prior to a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend – but they showed a marked improvement at Anfield.

New signing Mykhaylo Mudryk impressed on his debut, while fellow recent arrival Benoit Badiashile was also in fine form at the back.

The Blues have been extremely busy during the current transfer window, making several signings including Joao Felix, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Noni Madueke, as well as Mudryk and Badiashile.

Now, it appears that those in charge of the club are chasing a seventh January signing.

According to The Mirror, The Blues are set to make an improved offer for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea are believed to have had an initial offer of £55 million rejected by The Seagulls, but they will now return with a higher off that is closer to the £65 million price tag that Brighton have put on the player.

Caicedo, 21, has been impressive for Brighton since making his debut for the club last season.

Caicedo is the subject of ongoing interest from Chelsea

The midfielder signed for The Seagulls in 2021 from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, before being sent out on loan to Belgium, joining Beerschot VA.

He returned to England 12 months ago, and has since made 31 appearances for his current club.

The Ecuador international has been one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League so far this term, and also performed well at the World Cup in Qatar.

He has 18 of Brighton’s 19 Premier League games so far this season, including their 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Saturday.

Blues boss Potter gave Caicedo his debut for The Seagulls last year and appears to be on the prospect of a reunion.

Liverpool and Newcastle United are both also said to be interested in Caicedo, who was a target for Manchester United prior to his move to The Amex two years ago.

Caicedo is contracted to Brighton until 2025, however, which means that Brighton are under very little pressure to sell the midfielder any time soon.

The Blues’ need for a midfielder stems from the fact that both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are both set to be out of contract in the summer.