Chelsea are closing in on an astonishing triple swoop which will see them spend in excess of 200m in the coming days, it has been reported.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side kick off their new Premier League season against Liverpool on Sunday, but they have been fighting Jurgen Klopp’s side in the transfer market already.
The two sides are both on the hunt for a defensive midfielder, and Chelsea had long been chasing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, though they have been reluctant to meet the £100m asking price.
Meanwhile, Liverpool were thought to want to sign Romeo Lavia, but again would not meet the £50m valuation, instead tabling a Premier League record £111m bid for Caicedo.
The Blues, however, have responded in kind. Chelsea are thought to be closing in on a £55m deal for Liverpool target Lavia, which will consist of an initial £52m plus a further £3m in add-ons.
Tubize, Belgium. 09th June, 2023. Belgium’s Romeo Lavia pictured during a training session of the U21 youth team of the Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, Friday 09 June 2023 in Tubize. The Belgian U21 team is preparing for the 2023 European champio 2R6FY6A Tubize, Belgium. 09th June, 2023. Belgium’s Romeo Lavia pictured during a training session of the U21 youth team of the Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, Friday 09 June 2023 in Tubize. The Belgian U21 team is preparing for the 2023 European championships in Georgia and Romania from June 21st to July 8th. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY Credit: Belga News Agency/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
Better yet for the west London side, it is added that they are ‘confident’ that they can reach a deal for Caicedo, who has turned down the opportunity to travel to Anfield for a medical so far despite Liverpool agreeing a fee for the Ecuadorian.
But Chelsea’s spending will not end there. Also on the hunt for a right-winger, the Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who has a £35m release clause in his Eagles contract and is also attracting interest from Manchester City.
It would take Chelsea’s outlay since Todd Boehly took charge in 2022 well over the £800m mark, and would leave them looking like strong contenders for a top 4 spot come the end of the campaign.