Chelsea are finalising discussions about a move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuadorean international wanted to join Arsenal in the January transfer window, but the South Coast side refused to sell him at that time.
He was rewarded with a new contract instead, but with the understanding that he could move to a bigger club in the summer if the price was right.
Many assumed that the Gunners would go back in for the Ecuadorean midfielder, but they have now withdrawn their interest to concentrate on trying to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.
Brighton are set to demand in excess of £70 million for the 21 year old.
He would become Chelsea’s first major signing of the summer if he completes his move to Stamford Bridge, and it is hoped he can form a fruitful partnership with Enzo Fernandez in the Chelsea midfield next season, giving the Argentine more freedom to roam.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.