Chelsea are aiming to complete the signing of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo “this week”, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Ecuadorian has travelled with the Seagulls for their pre-season tour but Romano says Chelsea are lining up an improved offer in the coming days which the Blues hope will be accepted:

“We are entering into an important week. Chelsea are prepared to improve their proposal for Moises Caicedo. It’s a verbal conversation. The initial proposal was around £70m plus add-ons and now Chelsea will be looking to go for a bid for more than that. It’s never easy with Brighton so there is no guarantee but the hope for Chelsea is they get it done this week.”

There has been plenty of rumours claiming that Brighton want a fee that is close to the £105m that Arsenal paid for Declan Rice but there is an expectation that an agreement will be reached for a much lower amount.

The main reason for that is that Caicedo has made it known that he wants to make a move to Stamford Bridge, with the 21-year-old reportedly having agreed personal terms already.

Other teams have pulled out of the race for Caicedo

With it being made clear that the midfielder only wants a transfer to Chelsea, it has meant that other interested clubs, such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, have stepped away from talks.

This should help in negotiations with Brighton to lower the price for Caicedo, although it won’t stop the Seagulls from making things difficult.

Chelsea are making moves in the transfer market

At the weekend, it was confirmed that the London club have signed Angelo Gabriel from Santos. The Brazilian is the Blues’ sixth summer recruit.

Fans will be hoping that a deal is agreed for Caicedo to make it seven in the very near future.