Brighton & Hove Albion expect to retain the services of highly sought-after midfielder Moises Caicedo beyond this summer.
According to the BBC, the club remains determined to keep hold of the Ecuadorean despite interest from their Premier League rivals.
Rumours have been swirling about the 21-year-old’s future ever since Arsenal expressed interest in January before Chelsea started leading the charge this summer.
Despite tabling bids of around £70-80 million, the Blues have been met with resistance from Brighton, who have insisted they want £100m for the player.
Brighton’s stance has been further fortified by the departure of Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool. The Argentine joined the Reds in a deal worth £35 million.
The Seagulls have no interest in selling Caicedo this summer, especially after he signed a new contract tying him to the club until 2027.
The player wanted to leave in January and submitted a transfer request but has not gone down that route this summer.
Chelsea will continue their pursuit of Caicedo during August, but they are keeping their options open.
The Blues have identified Tyler Adams from Leeds United and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as potential alternatives to bolster their midfield.
With a new goalkeeper already secured, Chelsea’s priority is to sign a top-quality defensive midfielder – a position that has long needed reinforcement.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated that he wants the club to sign a defensive midfielder but must be patient as the Caicedo saga drags on.
Pochettino will hope the deal is done before Chelsea kick off their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 13.
