All the latest Chelsea transfer news and gossip including updates on Rayan Cherki, Moises Caicedo’s stance on a move to Stamford Bridge and competition for Matheus Franca

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, playing for Ecuador (Image: Bagu Blanco / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport)

Your Chelsea transfer round-up on Saturday, July 15.

Caicedo committed to Chelsea move

Chelsea appear to have been handed a crucial update in their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Mauricio Pochettino is looking to bolster Chelsea’s midfield options after allowing Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to head for the exit door. Chelsea and Brighton have been engaged in talks over a move for the Ecuador international but Caicedo has seemingly made his feelings clear over his next destination.

It has been reported by Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law, via the London is Blue podcast, that Brighton are ‘determined’ to see that their £100million valuation is met. Talks are said to be ongoing between the two clubs but a deal is not thought to be imminent, though the midfielder was seemingly promised a summer transfer as part of signing his new deal.

Blanc makes Cherki plea

Manager Laurent Blanc has advised Rayan Cherki to remain at Olympique Lyonnais for a further year despite interest from Chelsea. The 19-year-old wonderkid has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as Mauricio Pochettino looks to replace Mason Mount.

football.london understands that the Blues have recently stepped up their pursuit of Cherki following positive conversations with his entourage over a possible deal. It’s believed that Chelsea sent scouts to watch the attacking midfielder on several occasions last term , where they also monitored the progress of Malo Gusto, who was signed in January.

Following the departure of Mount, Cherki has been identified as a ‘priority signing’ with Pochettino eager to further bolster his creative options this summer. It’s said that the West Londoners are considering whether or not to send an offer to Lyon , who have not explicitly said that he’s not for sale.

READ:Mauricio Pochettino awaits one Neymar conversation for incredible Chelsea transfer go-ahead

Palace hijack Franca move

Chelsea have been handed a major blow to their hopes of signing Matheus Franca this summer. The 19-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as the Blues look to stock up on some of the world’s most exciting young players .

While Mauricio Pochettino may dream of adding Franca to the club’s growing contingent of Brazilian youngsters, the west Londoners face stiff competition for his signature. According to Globo , both Chelsea and Crystal Palace have submitted proposals to the forward’s entourage, with Flamengo set to make a decision in the ‘coming days’.

The report states that Franca’s representatives travelled to London earlier this week to hold talks with the two clubs. Globo add that Flamengo have given the teenager a €25million (£21.4m) price tag, which could include add-ons in order to fulfil valuation.

Soucre: football.london