Chelsea reportedly intend to accelerate contract negotiations with the representatives of Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo in the coming months.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has blossomed under the wing of Enzo Maresca, whose side qualified for the Champions League courtesy of a 1-0 final-day win over Nottingham Forest.
Caicedo played the full 90 of that victory at the City Ground and remarkably started all 38 of the Blues' matches in the 2024-25 Premier League season, either as a midfielder or right-back.
The Ecuador international has amassed a total of one goal and five assists in 44 games for Chelsea in the current campaign, and he is expected to be involved in Wednesday's Conference League final against Real Betis.
The 23-year-old committed the next eight seasons of his career to the Blues when he joined in a blockbuster €116m (£97.4m) deal from Brighton in 2023, meaning his current terms will not expire until 2031.
Chelsea 'view Caicedo as world-class midfielder'
© Imago
Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea have made it a priority to extend his terms and will advance in talks with Caicedo's entourage over the next few months.
The Blues have supposedly been planning to enter negotiations with the 23-year-old's agents since March, and discussions will soon commence over a new-and-improved deal for the South American.
Chelsea chiefs are said to be of the view that Caicedo is a 'world-class' midfielder, and he has thrived alongside Enzo Fernandez in a two-man engine room during the 2024-25 campaign.
The 23-year-old has produced a total of two goals and nine assists from 92 matches in a Chelsea kit since joining the club in 2023, and he was named the Blues' player of the year for the current season.
How much money does Caicedo earn at Chelsea?
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A new contract will almost certainly mean a pay rise for the former Independiente del Valle youngster, who was on Manchester United's radar in 2021 before Brighton agreed a deal for his services.
According to football salaries website Capology, Caicedo pockets £150,000 a week under the terms of his current Chelsea contract, which only puts him eighth on the Blues' list of highest earners.
Captain Reece James is reportedly the club's highest-paid player on a weekly wage of £250,000 a week, while the out-of-favour Raheem Sterling is second on the list at £215k, although he is likely to be let go this summer.
Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Fernandez, Marc Cucurella and Pedro Neto also earn more than Caicedo, although his renewal should bring in him in line with Maresca's highest earners to reflect his status at Stamford Bridge.
Caicedo could win his first Chelsea trophy in Wednesday's Conference League final with Betis, but the midfielder has only made three appearances during the Blues' run to the showpiece match.
Ben Knapton
