CHELSEA are reportedly set to continue their transfer splurge in the summer with huge pushes for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo but face a fight with rivals Arsenal.
New Blues owner Todd Boehly has splashed over £600million since the takeover in May 2022.
Over £300m of that was spent in the January transfer window just gone with Chelsea setting a club, and British, record deal in signing World Cup-winning Argentine, Enzo Fernandez.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined on deadline day for £107million, surpassing the record set by Manchester City for the purchase of Jack Grealish for £100m.
Chelsea will be hoping their transfer splurge will fire them back into Champions League contention, with the West London club sat 10th in the Premier League.
But regardless of their league finish this term, the spending is set to continue in the summer of 2023.
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According to Football London, Chelsea would like to sign Brighton midfielder Caicedo and West Ham captain Rice.
Caicedo has impressed since his low-cost move from Ecuador last season, while Rice has been on Chelsea’s radar for a number of seasons.
Rice is, of course, an ex-Chelsea academy player, but was released at 14.
But Chelsea will face a fight for both players with London rivals Arsenal also keen on the midfielders.
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And Mikel Arteta’s Gunners could have significant pulling power over Chelsea if they hold their nerve and win the Premier League.
It is also likely that Champions League football will return to the Emirates, whereas Chelsea will need to fight the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham for a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.
Both players won’t come cheap, with Brighton turning down bids north of £60m from Arsenal last month for 21-year-old Caicedo despite a public plea to be allowed to leave.
Hammers captain Rice is also unlikely to be snapped up for cheaper than £70m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
