By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

30th Jul, 2023 | 12:33pm

Chelsea news: Caicedo talks collapse after new bid submitted

Chelsea are not currently in active talks to sign Moises Caicedo after Brighton rejected a second bid for him, sources have told Football Insider.

Caicedo has already agreed personal terms with the Blues and his potential move to Stamford Bridge appeared to be just a matter of time.

But the deal is now facing collapse at the end of a week in which Brighton rejected a second, increased offer from Chelsea for the midfielder worth £80m.

The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for the London club and is believed to be keen on the move.

Last month (29 June), Football Insider revealed that Chelsea opened official talks with Brighton over the Ecuador international.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been pushing hard to sign the midfielder but talks have now stalled in what is a key development.

Brighton value Caicedo, who was signed from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for £4.5m in 2021, in the same bracket as Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice and will look to get in the region of £100m for him.

Caicedo’s current contract at the AMEX Stadium runs until 2027 after he penned an extension earlier this year despite a failed move to Arsenal in the January window.

The midfielder made 43 appearances for Roberto de Zerbi’s side last season netting one goal and one assist in a campaign that saw them secure European football.

Chelsea have already spent around £84m in bringing Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to the club, and have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes for £23.1m.

Pochettino also has Romelu Lukaku returning to his side, despite the player’s resistance.

In other news, Chelsea drop asking price by £15m after deal collapses.