Despite the Seagulls' determination to keep Caicedo, the Blues remain confident that they can secure his signature – especially after he recently confirmed his desire to join the club. Chelsea once looked well positioned to sign the Ecuadorian, but now they're in a race against time and Todd Boehly is under pressure to grant Mauricio Pochettino his wish.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest information regarding the Blues' pursuit of Caicedo...
Replacement prepared
Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Brighton have lined up a replacement for Moises Caicedo ahead of the midfielder's potential transfer to Chelsea this summer. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his options in the middle of the park.
"He is young, it is difficult to live inside the possibility to change things, changing teams, changing a city, changing everything," the Italian told Sky Sports, as quoted by SussexLive. "But he's a serious guy, a serious player and he's working well in a good way.
"We are waiting for the situation to change. If you asked me what I would like, I would like him to stay with us but it is not my work, my work is to tell my owner that if Caicedo leaves that we need another big important midfielder."
Then, when asked if he has someone in mind to replace Caicedo, the Brighton boss replied: "Yes, but I don't want to tell you!"football.london understands that the Blues have seen a new bid for Caicedo in the last 24 hours rejected. Chelsea's offer was immediately turned down despite the Ecuador international's desire to leave the Amex Stadium, with reports claiming the offer was worth around £80million. Brighton are committed to keeping the player unless their valuation is met.
Social media hint
Moises Caicedo has hinted on social media that he could be leaving Brighton this summer. Whether the midfielder is looking to force a move, anticipating an agreement between the two clubs or simply rebranding his social media page, he's removed Brighton from his bio section on Instagram.
De Zerbi update
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a firm stance on the future of Moises Caicedo amid strong interest and several approaches from Chelsea.
"No it's not true because I am coach, not owner, coach, not sporting director," the Italian said on reports of an agreement to let Caicedo leave. "Believe me, it is difficult to be a coach. In my work, I am used to speaking with my players every day, for every question, every part of life, not only football. But I didn’t give my word for nothing.
"We didn’t speak about the next transfer market window and for me, he is a player like the others. OK, we are Brighton and I can understand we have to sell any player at the end of the season like Mac Allister. But at the moment, I have not received news that Caicedo can leave tomorrow or in the next week. I start the next season with Caicedo in my head in the first 11, for sure."
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