CHELSEA are expected to open talks with Brighton this week in a bid to sign Moises Caicedo, reports claim.
The Blues have been pushing to sign the midfielder since the transfer window opened.
And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, they will commence talks within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Blues are said to be willing to pay up to £80million for the midfielder, but Brighton could demand a much higher fee.
Personal terms have already been agreed, with Caicedo eager to swap Sussex for Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal and Manchester United have also expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old this summer, but Chelsea are currently clear frontrunners in the transfer race.
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The Gunners hoped to sign him as part of Mikel Arteta's midfield rebuild, but they are currently locked in negotiations with West Ham over the transfer of Declan Rice.
Arsenal tabled a huge £105m bid on Tuesday and they are now said to be edging closer to an agreement.
Meanwhile, Man Utd set their sights on Caicedo following their failed attempt to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
The Red Devils submitted three bids – with the latest totalling £55million – but all were rejected.
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Erik ten Hag is now eager to beat the Blues to Caicedo.
The midfielder joined Brighton in a £4.5m transfer from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in February 2021.
He has since made 53 appearances for the Seagulls.
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