Fabrizio Romano claimed on his YouTube channel that Chelsea is now thinking about replacing Enzo Fernandez with Moises Caicedo.

Developments last night suggested the Blues are much further away from the signing of the Argentina international than reports made out.

It had been claimed it was only the final details being discussed between Chelsea and Benfica before a deal to sign the 21-year-old was confirmed.

The player was seemingly keen to make the switch too, even missing training on one occasion in an attempt to force the Portuguese side’s hand.

However, Romano claimed himself last night that the Blues’ actual bid for Fernandez was way lower than Benfica were hoping for, putting the deal in real jeopardy due to their change of stance.

He has also claimed the Blues are now looking at other targets in the position.

Caicedo instead of Fernandez

He said: “For now, the negotiation is off. There is no new meeting scheduled, but let’s wait a few days to see how Chelsea reacts.

“Chelsea are now focused on other players; let’s see if they return for Enzo, but they have an eye on other midfielders, one of whom is Moisés Caicedo.”

Caicedo is obviously a player manager Graham Potter knows well. The Englishman gave him his Premier League debut for Brighton last season.

For this reason, he may be more keen on the signing of the Ecuador international in order to have a better sense of what to expect from his first big-money addition at Stamford Bridge.

The club will almost certainly strengthen heavily in the position in the next couple of transfer windows due to the precarious position of both Jorginho and N’golo Kante.

The duo’s contracts expire at the end of the campaign, and the Italy international in particular is strongly linked with a move away when that time comes.

source: https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/