In a stunning development, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nasr is eyeing Chelsea's Moises Caicedo as they look to bolster their midfield. According to reports from the Telegraph on April 16, 2025, Al-Nasr has identified Caicedo as a suitable option in their efforts to strengthen their squad. The 23-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder, who has made a name for himself in European football, is now attracting interest from the Middle East.
Born in 2001, Caicedo began his professional career with CSD Independiente del Valle in 2019, quickly catching the attention of several European clubs. Brighton & Hove Albion signed him in February 2021, where they nurtured him as a future star, even sending him on loan to Belgium's K Beerschot VA to gain experience. After an impressive first half of the 2021/22 season, Caicedo returned to Brighton and became a pivotal player for the team.
His performances did not go unnoticed, with transfer rumors linking him to top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. However, Caicedo opted to stay at Brighton for another season, further developing into a complete midfielder. In the 2022/23 season, he played 43 matches, showcasing his talent and drawing even more interest from major European teams. Eventually, Chelsea secured his services for a whopping £115 million (approximately 215.7 billion won), making him a key figure in their squad.
During his time at Chelsea, Caicedo has demonstrated his worth, contributing 2 goals and 6 assists in 85 appearances over two seasons. Now, reports suggest that Al-Nasr is willing to offer over £100 million (approximately 187.6 billion won) to bring him to Saudi Arabia. This move aligns with a broader trend, as Saudi clubs have been aggressively signing high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, and Roberto Firmino, as part of their strategy to enhance their league's profile ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the tempting offer from Al-Nasr, the likelihood of Caicedo leaving Chelsea seems low. He has established himself as an indispensable part of the team, and Chelsea's significant investment to acquire him last season indicates they are unlikely to let him go easily.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez, another Chelsea midfielder, is finding himself in a precarious position at the club. The 24-year-old has reportedly lost his place in the starting lineup, prompting his national team colleague Julian Alvarez to directly request Atletico Madrid to sign him. According to a report on April 16, Alvarez has urged the club to pursue Fernandez, who is also attracting interest from Atletico.
Fernandez joined Chelsea in January 2023 from CA River Plate and SL Benfica, with the club investing €120 million (approximately 194 billion won) following his standout performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Initially, he struggled to adapt, but by last season, he had become a key midfielder, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in 40 matches.
This season, Fernandez has continued to perform well, recording 6 goals and 9 assists in 38 games. However, his position has become unstable due to a racial slur incident in July 2024, which strained his relationships with teammates. In light of this, Alvarez has reached out to Fernandez, suggesting a move to Atletico Madrid, where he could reunite with former national team colleagues Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina.
Despite the potential interest from Atletico, Chelsea is reportedly reluctant to part with Fernandez, who remains a talented player. If they do consider a sale, they are expected to demand around €80 million (approximately 129 billion won) for his transfer.
In another twist, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the 30-year-old goalkeeper, is dreaming of a permanent move to Bournemouth after a successful loan spell. Kepa has made it clear that he has no intention of returning to Chelsea, and according to Football Insider, he wants to sign a permanent contract with Bournemouth.
Kepa joined Bournemouth on a one-season loan last summer after Chelsea brought in several young goalkeepers, which diminished his chances at the club. Seeking new opportunities, Kepa accepted a challenge under Bournemouth's coach Andoni Iraola. His performances have been impressive, showing stability in goal and a strong ability to build from the back.
Statistics from Footmob indicate that Kepa has a save rate of 74.2% in the Premier League this season, the highest in the league. He has also conceded fewer goals than expected, allowing only 25 goals compared to an expected total of 28.3, demonstrating his ability to outperform expectations.
With only a year left on his contract with Chelsea and a buyout clause of around £5 million (approximately 9.3 billion won), Kepa's transfer to Bournemouth seems highly likely. This is a fee that Bournemouth can afford, despite being a smaller club. Kepa initially rose to prominence at Athletic Club and made a record move to Chelsea in 2018 for €80 million (approximately 124.6 billion won) but has struggled to meet expectations during his time there.
As Kepa continues to shine at Bournemouth, he hopes to secure a permanent position and further establish his career after a tumultuous spell at Chelsea. With the transfer window looming and various players' futures uncertain, the coming weeks promise to be eventful for Chelsea and its stars.
