Chelsea are set to confirm the £20m signing of Tyler Adams with the USMNT captain undergoing a medical in the next 24 hours ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder missed the start of Leeds’ Championship campaign against Cardiff City with the same hamstring issue which saw him miss the back end of last season, and has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave Elland Road for just £20m following their relegation.
The Blues have seized upon that opportunity and are set to make him their fifth signing of the summer, though he will not be fit until the end of August. Reports claim that they have now activated his release clause and that he is now set to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours ahead of being unveiled as a new Chelsea player.
They still remain on the hunt for further midfield additions, with Moises Caicedo still their no.1 priority and progress thought to be being made on a deal. However, Brighton continue to demand a massive fee and, as of yet, the Blues haven’t seen value in paying the asking price, leading to the Seagulls now expecting Caicedo to stay at the AMEX stadium this summer.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo reacts during the Emirates FA Cup semi-final match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 23, 2023. 2PWB4R4 Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo reacts during the Emirates FA Cup semi-final match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 23, 2023. (Alamy Stock Photo)
Though Adams is not viewed as a direct replacement for Caicedo should a move for the Ecuadorian fall through, he will add plenty of experience to a midfield that has lost Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante since the start of the year.
The Blues have also seen a £48m bid for Romeo Lavia rejected, with Southampton holding out for £50m amid interest from Liverpool, who Chelsea meet on the opening weekend of the season.