Chelsea could inadvertently help Brighton snatch one of Mauricio Pochettino’s transfer targets should the Seagulls receive their desired £100million for star man Moises Caicedo. The Blues have so been reluctant to stump up the necessary cash after having two bids turned down, but they are still looking to bring in a midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side currently expect Caicedo to remain at the club and have been impressed with his attitude despite making his stance clear that he wants to move for Stamford Bridge. However, there is still nearly a month left of the transfer window and Brighton are still planning to use funds raised by the potential sale of Caicedo to reinvest in the squad.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Europa League side could intensify their efforts to land Mohammed Kudus if they receive a huge cash injection to the tune of £100m from Chelsea. The Ajax star is firmly on their radar and would represent a major coup, as he is also on the shortlists of several top clubs – including Chelsea.
The Blues were said to be leading the race to sign Kudus ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United, who would cost as much as £40m as Chelsea look to replace outgoing attacking stars such as Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. The Ghanaian star’s versatility would certainly help Pochettino in his bid to figure out his best team for the coming season after a huge overhaul, but Brighton could instead trump them in the race for the 23-year-old.
The Seagulls would likely be able to offer Ajax more favourable payment terms, having just received £100m while Chelsea would be keeping an eye on their finances despite undergoing a firesale – with Todd Boehly and co looking to be more cautious in the window following their previous £600m outlay.
It is unlikely that Chelsea would be able to negotiate a lower fee for Kudus if Brighton up their interest and the Blues were worried about the club’s finances after a huge outlay for Caicedo, as Ajax transfer chief Sven Mislinat wants to keep both the forward and fellow Chelsea target Edson Alvarez.
“There are clubs that have informally enquired about him,” Mislinat told Ajax Life. “I don’t expect an offer very soon, although you know that things can be different in the football world. Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks.
Speaking to Aglemeen Dagblad, the former Arsenal chief added: “There is no fixed deadline, but there are agreements we must have to get replacements if we have not already done so proactively.
“The best thing for if Kudus and Alvarez stay, then we keep two top players. But it is also possible that one goes, or both.”