are unwilling to meet Brighton’s £100 million asking price for , according to reports.
is keen to strengthen his midfield options this summer with .
Chelsea have made Caicedo one of their top midfield targets and have held extensive talks with Brighton over a deal for the Ecuador international.
But according to , progress in negotiations have slowed this week as Chelsea and Brighton have reached an impasse over the transfer fee.
The report claims that Brighton are holding out for £100m for Caicedo as they believe a ‘benchmark’ has been set by Arsenal’s £105m deal with West Ham for Declan Rice.
Chelsea, however, hope an £80m proposal will be enough to secure an agreement with Brighton.
It’s understood that earlier this summer.
for the Ecuador international in the January window.
Arsenal’s highest offer of £70m was not enough to convince Brighton and it’s unlikely that Mikel Arteta’s side will return with a higher bid this summer.
Meanwhile, The Guardian also reports that Chelsea will hold talks to sign Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo next week.
The 21-year-old, who is also on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona, has a €40m (£34.4m) buyout clause in his deal with Celta Vigo.
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