By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

19th Jun, 2023 | 11:22am

Sources: Chelsea submitting official Moises Caicedo bid as 'verbal understanding' agreed

Chelsea are pushing to complete the signing of Moises Caicedo as soon as possible with an official bid coming this week, sources have told Football Insider.

The Blues have Caicedo as a key target this summer and have a understanding the player has agreed to the move should they be able to negotiate a deal with Brighton.

Brighton are looking for around £80million for their star midfielder and formal talks will commence imminently, with the first official bid to come in this week from the London side.

A deal for the 21-year-old was always a top priority for the Chelsea board with new manager Mauricio Pochettino especially keen to work with him next season.

Sources close to the deal have stated that both parties have a “verbal understanding” as to the players terms on a long-term deal that suits both the club and the player himself.

Arsenal have backed off with their interest as they try to complete a £100million move for Declan Rice as well as considering an official offer for Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea have also been keen on the Southampton talent but full focus is on bringing the Ecuador international into their team in time for the beginning of pre-season.

Brighton have promised a move to Caicedo and he is expecting to leave the club this summer with a big payday on the the brink.

The midfielder played 37 times for Brighton in the Premier League among 43 appearances in all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign.

He has made a total of 53 appearances for The Seagulls since his move from Independiente in 2021.

In other news, giants close in on Chelsea superstar signing