Moises Caicedo will be allowed to leave Brighton this summer if the club receive a suitable offer, with Chelsea one of three clubs in the race to sign the midfielder.
Caicedo has emerged as one of the most coveted midfielders in the Premier League after an excellent season at Brighton, with the Ecuadorian impressing as the Seagulls secured a top-six finish and Europa League qualification.
Brighton turned down an approach from Arsenal for Caicedo during the January transfer window, with Roberto De Zerbi urging the 21-year-old to remain with Brighton as the club pushed for a place in Europe.
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi told Moises Caicedo in January to stay at the club until June despite huge bids… and then promised to sell him in the summer in case of good proposal 🔵🇪🇨 #BHAFC
Pact will be respected; Chelsea are still keen on Caicedo but it’s 3 clubs race. pic.twitter.com/fwWq1DBYp7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2023
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that De Zerbi promised Caicedo he would be allowed to leave this summer as part of that arrangement, should Brighton receive a suitable offer.
Speaking after Brighton’s defeat at Aston Villa last weekend, De Zerbi said that Caicedo and team-mate Alexis Mac Allister had likely made their final appearances for the club after the Seagulls’ campaign concluded at Villa Park.
Chelsea are confirmed to be interested in signing Caicedo, while Arsenal could renew their interest as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his midfield.
Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with a move and Romano has reported that there are three clubs in the race for Caicedo, who is valued in the region of £70m and ranked second in the Premier League for tackles in 2022/23.