Chelsea are set to speed up contract extension talks with Moises Caicedo following the midfielder’s standout debut season at Stamford Bridge, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Caicedo, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer of 2023 in a British-record €116m (£97.4m) deal, made 44 appearances this season, contributing one goal and five assists. The Ecuadorian has quickly become a crucial part of Chelsea’s midfield, with his presence key to the team’s return to the Champions League and their run to the Europa Conference League final, where they face Real Betis on Wednesday.

Despite Caicedo already being tied down until 2031, Chelsea are keen to reward his performances and fend off any future interest by securing improved terms. Romano reports that discussions have been in the pipeline since March, and the club now intends to push forward with negotiations over the summer.

The 23-year-old currently earns £150,000 per week, according to Capology, but a new deal would likely see a significant increase in his wages as the club looks to reflect his growing importance in the squad.

Romano confirmed: “Chelsea will advance in talks to extend Moises Caicedo’s contract in the next months. Plan since March is to open negotiations over new deal for the midfielder and it will happen in the upcoming months, as Chelsea see Caicedo as a world-class midfielder.”

Chelsea fans will welcome the move as a sign of the club’s commitment to building a team around young, elite talent—Caicedo being central to those plans.