CHELSEA’S pursuit of Moises Caicedo is finally over after they shelled out a British record transfer fee to land the Brighton midfielder.
The Blues will have to pay £100million up front to the Seagulls, a fee which could potentially climb upwards by another £15m dependant on various conditions in the Ecuadorian’s eight-year contract.
Chelsea had seen several earlier bids rejected by Brighton during the close season and it looked late last week like they might even miss out on the 21-year-old after Liverpool tabled a counter offer.
But the Pensioners were always believed to be midfielder’s preferred destination and today he finally got his desired dream move to Stamford Bridge.
Caicedo told chelseafc.com: “I am so happy to join Chelsea!
“I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club.
“It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team.”
Mauricio Pochettino could be set to splash the cash again soon to thwart Anfield opposite number Jurgen Klopp for a second time by landing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Liverpool were keen to sign the 19-year-old from the Saints but they look poised to miss out again to their London rivals as the Belgian edges closer to hooking up with Chelsea.
Lavia’s addition will cost owner Todd Boehly another £55m, taking the American’s total outlay on players since taking over last summer to just shy of £1bn.
And there could be more to come soon with Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise still high on Chelsea’s wanted list despite being currently injured.
One man heading out of the club is keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who ended his five-year spell with the Londoners by joining Real Madrid on loan for the season.
The Spaniard made 109 Chelsea appearances during a mixed stay in London and today returned to his homeland by sealing a Bernabeu switch.
