By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

5th Jun, 2023 | 3:00pm

Revealed: Path clears for Chelsea to sign Moises Caicedo as three deals close

Chelsea are set to step up their interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo after a move for Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte fell through, sources have told Football Insider.

The Blues are long-term admirers of Caicedo, 21, and it is believed he was on the midfield shortlist regardless of their move for Ugarte.

Chelsea see the Ecuador international as a superstar in the making and are now set to swoop in the summer window.

Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool are all also interested in a move for Caicedo – but are advanced in their respective moves for Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Alexis Mac Allister.

Therefore, it is believed a path has now cleared for Chelsea to beat their rivals to a big-money deal.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Caicedo would be interested in a summer move to Stamford Bridge.

He signed a fresh four-year contract at Brighton in March, but it is believed there is an understanding in place with the Seagulls – allowing him to leave if the right offer comes in.

Caicedo notched one goal and one assist in 43 appearances in all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign as Roberto De Zerbi’s side achieved Europa League qualification.

He was the subject of interest from Arsenal in January, with Brighton reportedly rejecting a £70million bid in the final throes of the window.

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino following the sackings of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter in the 2022-23 campaign.

Sporting midfielder Ugarte was close to becoming Pochettino’s first signing at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea have reportedly been gazumped by Paris Saint-Germain at the eleventh hour.

In other news, Chelsea star’s exit is “99% done”.