James UleySenior Writer, ESPN FC3 minutes to read
The 21-year-old is expected to undergo a medical on Monday and sign an eight-year contract in a deal that surpasses the previous high of £105.8m the Blues paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandes in January.
A slightly lower bid for Liverpool was accepted on Friday – worth around £111m – but sources have confirmed to ESPN that the midfielder only wanted a move to Stamford Bridge. Sources suggest Chelsea will pay £100m in guaranteed payments with an additional £15m in add-ons. About half of the add-ons were described as easily achievable with the other half being extremely difficult to operate.
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Sources have confirmed to ESPN that the 21-year-old has made it clear he wants a move to Stamford Bridge even after Liverpool agreed terms with Brighton, and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has promised more signings will be on the way after the 1-1 Premier League draw. Draw with Jurgen Klopp’s team.
“We are definitely going to improve the team,” Pochettino said on Sunday.
Chelsea pulled out of a move to sign US international Tyler Adams from Leeds City amid a row over the payment structure surrounding his £20m release clause and decided instead to use that money to help pursue other options.
Caicedo has been Pochettino’s first target all summer, and the Argentine coach told ESPN in an exclusive interview last month that Chelsea are in dire need of midfield reinforcements.
In addition to Caicedo, Chelsea are hoping to win over Liverpool to another midfielder as they seek to secure a deal with Southampton for Romeo Lavia.
Southampton have rejected at least three offers for Liverpool, but Chelsea are believed to be willing to offer more than the 19-year-old’s £50m valuation.
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