Chelsea transfer news: Catch all the biggest Blues transfer headlines, including updates on Mohammed Kudus, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Conor Gallagher.

Mohammed Kudus is close to agreeing personal terms with Chelsea (Image: (Photo by NESimages/Michael Bulder/DeFodi Images via Getty Images))

Your Chelsea transfer round-up on Wednesday, July 26.

Kudus agreement ‘close’

Ajax have confirmed that Mohammed Kudus is absent from training due to ‘medical reasons’ with Chelsea closing in on a personal terms agreement for the 22-year-old.

Alongside contact with his representatives, the Blues have sounded out Ajax over making a possible move for the Ghana international, football.london understands.

With Kudus, who has two years remaining on his contract, open to leaving the Dutch giants, agreeing personal terms was not seen as a major issue. In fact, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has now claimed that the west Londoners are ‘close’ to agreeing personal terms with the midfielder as they look to beat Arsenal to his signature.

Chelsea are yet to submit an offer to Ajax for Kudus, but initial discussions have taken place and the Dutch club may be open to selling at the right price considering his contract status. Reports this week have stated that Kudus could be available for a fee in the region of £40million.

Caicedo state of play

Countless twists and turns continue to take place in the Moises Caicedo transfer saga with the latest update placing the ball in his court if a move to Stamford Bridge is what he wants.

From the perspective of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, despite reports an agreement had been struck when he signed a new contract on the south coast that he could leave in the summer, where his immediate future lies is clear.

As quoted by CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, the Italian said: “It’s a clear situation at the moment. He stays with us until my owner changes his mind. I don’t know what can happen in the future, but if Moises leaves we have to find the right player because it’s difficult to replace a great player because this year we play in the Europa League, unlike Chelsea.”

On Caicedo’s side of the deal, a transfer was dropped by the midfielder after he removed any affiliation with Brighton from his Instagram bio. On Tuesday, a video then emerged showing Caicedo being asked by a fan about a transfer to Chelsea, to which he gave no response.

No real progress is being made in talks, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano delivered a hopeful update, while hinting that Caicedo may be forced into making an exit stand. In his CaughtOffside column (subscription required), he wrote: “Moises Caicedo really wants the move, so let’s see how he will act in the next few days. I can guarantee the negotiations are ongoing and it’s not over. I know Chelsea fans are getting impatient, but he wants to join Chelsea as his priority, and they’re working.”

Lavia bid rejected

Southampton have rejected Liverpool’s £37million bid to sign Romeo Lavia who has also been linked with a transfer to Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Blues had placed the teenager on their potential summer wish list initially alongside Manuel Ugarte and Moises Caicedo, but interest from west London cooled when a £50million asking price was quoted.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Saints are still holding out for a package deal worth £50million. That number has also been quoted as the demand Chelsea have set to West Ham and Tottenham for Conor Gallagher after rebuffing the £40million package offer from the Hammers.

If Gallagher’s asking price is met, Chelsea could have the funds to purchase Lavia and win the race for his signature over Liverpool and Arsenal.

Soucre: football.london