Chelsea ready to bid for Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo (left) could still join Chelsea despite repeated rejections from Brighton. Credit: Action Images/John Sibley

Chelsea are preparing their latest bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, their top summer transfer target, and remain determined to sign him before the start of the league season.

< p>Chelsea have turned down bids for Caicedo several times this summer, the latest of which is believed to be worth £80m, but has not given up hope of bringing the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Caicedo, who Brighton valued at £100m were not included in Roberto De Zerbi's squad for the friendly against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Paul Barber, Brighton's chief executive, said on Sunday: «Moises had a minor hamstring injury in late practice and was ruled out for that reason. With only a week left until the Premier League season, there is no point in risking him today.

“We are looking forward to Moises starting the season with us, he is a Brighton player on a long-term contract.

«He's probably one of the most interesting young midfielders in the world right now and we're happy to have him.»

Chelsea's ongoing interest in Caicedo comes as Brighton are close to completing a club-record move for Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus will cost around £35m and his arrival will if completed, would mark the second time this summer that Brighton have broken their transfer record since a £30m deal for Joao Pedro was completed in June. .

Chelsea have already completed signing a player from Brighton this summer, agreeing to pay £25m for Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea's league campaign kicks off next Sunday when they host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge» and Mauricio Pochettino's team still lacks midfield depth.

In their last friendly against Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea started with a midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka. None of their substitute midfielders have ever played in the Premier League.

Chelsea have already spent around £180m on seven new players, including £52m on striker Christopher Nkunku and £38.5m . million for Monaco defender Axel Disasi.

But they have made over £200m, including a £65m move for Kai Havertz to Arsenal and a £55m deal that saw Mason Mount moved to Manchester. United.