Brighton's Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo linked with Chelsea transfer. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Roberto de Zerbi has claimed Brighton & Hove Albion could have to start looking for alternatives to Moises Caicedo in the event of his departure, expressing optimism in Chelsea’s quest to sign the midfielder.
Chelsea have been in behind the Seagulls to sign the midfielder, as Brighton have turned down the Blues’ £80 million offer for the Ecuadorian player. Caicedo has himself admitted that he wants to join Chelsea, but the negotiations are still going.
However, Brighton are demanding £100 million for the 21-year-old, and Chelsea have so far not met their asking price. It is a major reason for dragging this transfer story into August with the start of the Premier League season just two weeks away.
The West Londoners currently have inexperienced midfielders in the form of Andrey Santos, Carney Chukwuemeka (both 19) and Cesare Casadei (20) who can’t be trusted as regular starters just yet.
For that reason, we need more experienced players in that position. However, Brighton’s manager has hinted they might have to sell Caicedo, as he claimed they could be looking for the Ecuadorian’s replacement. Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Mirror), de Zerbi said:
“If you ask me what I would like, I would prefer he stay with us, but that’s not my work. My work is to tell my owner that if Caicedo leaves, we need another important midfielder.”
De Zerbi’s comments don’t make it seem like he is hell-bent on keeping the 21-year-old Ecuador international at the Amex. He would understand the Seagulls’ stature and that they can’t expect to keep in-demand players for long when clubs like Chelsea come calling.
Brighton may be in the UEFA Europa League next season. But last season was their best-ever league finish in the club’s history. Over the next few years, one can expect Chelsea to be miles ahead of the Seagulls again given their quality, history, and financial clout.
It is highly important that we sign Caicedo early on so that he has time to learn Mauricio Pochettino’s methods and adjust to the team. He will be a crucial part of our midfield if he comes in this summer, so it is imperative we give him the time needed to adjust ahead of a very, very important season in the club’s modern history.
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