Chelsea star will ask to play in new position amid Moises Caicedo speculation

Moises Caicedo’s impending arrival at Stamford Bridge is likely to have a big impact on the midfielders who are set to be retained by Mauricio Pochettino.

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Doubts remain over the futures of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Mateo Kovavic and N’Golo Kante are set to complete moves to Manchester City and Al Ittihad, respectively.

Given the upheaval, Pochettino is almost certain to build a new-look midfield around the combative talents of Caicedo and the club’s record signing Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentina international joined in January from Benfica, but showed only glimpses of the potential that persuaded the Blues to part with £106.8million to secure his services on a long-term contract.

Described as ‘the future of the club’ by interim boss Frank Lampard, Fernandez was asked to play in a deep-lying role by Graham Potter’s temporary replacement, but, according to his father, he will ask Pochettino to play in a more advanced role next season.

‘Enzo is comfortable, happy, and adjusting to London,’ said Raul Fernandez. ‘He was happy about the arrival of Pochettino.

‘Next season? My son wants to be a champion.

I think [we will see Enzo play further forward]! He was going to ask [Pochettino] to play further advanced.’

Pochettino, meanwhile, was dealt an early blow to his reign when Chelsea lost out to Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon.

Chelsea have responded with positive intent, however, and are closing in on the signing of Caicedo who had also been attracting significant interest from Arsenal, as well as Manchester United.

Talks are now at an advanced stage with Brighton as the two clubs look to agree a fee with personal terms already agreed.

Arsenal cooled their interest in Caicedo amid the difficulties they are enduring in their efforts to sign Declan Rice from West Ham after seeing their opening bid rejected by their east London rivals.

Talks, however, are progressing rapidly with Chelsea over a move for their Germany international forward Kai Havertz who has given the green light to a move to the Emirates Stadium.

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