Chelsea ‘to bid’ for Veiga as Blues try to close in on Jackson and Caicedo

Chelsea are in hot pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson. But the Blues are also reportedly keen on Celta Vigo’s versatile youngster Gabri Veiga as they ramp up their summer activity.

The 21-year-old can play in several positions in the midfield and is comfortable as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and on both wings. According to The Guardian, Chelsea are expected to bid for the player, who has a £34million release clause and is also a target for Liverpool, in the coming days.

Chelsea remain in pole position to sign Caicedo after Arsenal were claimed to have cooled their interest earlier this week. Negotiations with Brighton for the Ecuador international won’t be easy though as the Seagulls want at least £100m for the midfielder, who enjoyed an excellent 2022-23 season.

No official offer has been made by the Blues as of yet. Meanwhile, the Jackson deal is far more advanced.

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old forward and are considering whether to trigger his £30m release clause. Mauricio Pochettino is prioritising the signing of a new striker above all else this summer but with only one full season of top-flight European football under his belt, Jackson is a risky pick.

Along with incoming transfers, there are expected to be a lot of outgoings for the West Londoners this summer. Chelsea must recoup funds after spending in excess of £600m on players since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover in May 2021.

Among those expected to be on their way out of the door in the coming weeks are Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Mason Mount may also join Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher could also depart Stamford Bridge as part of a swap deal for Caicedo. The Englishman is on Brighton’s summer wishlist as is his team-mate Armando Broja.