Roberto De Zerbi says he has ‘already forgotten’ about Moises Caicedo as the midfielder nears a move away from Brighton.
Caicedo has made clear his desire to leave Brighton this summer and the Seagulls have accepted a £110m British transfer record offer from Liverpool for the 21-year-old.
However, Caicedo is understood to have rejected Liverpool and is determined to seal a move to Chelsea, who have seen multiple offers rejected for the Ecuadorian but are expected to return with an improved bid.
Brighton begin their Premier League campaign at home to newly-promoted Luton Town this weekend and De Zerbi has insisted that his focus is on the players committed to the club for the new season.
The Italian accepts that ‘bigger clubs’ will continue to come in for Brighton’s top talent, but is confident that the Seagulls can continue to make progress.
“I have already forgotten about Moises,” De Zerbi told his pre-match press conference.
“I’m really proud of the players we have in the squad. We want to keep improving. The credit goes to the club. Bigger clubs can buy our players but they can’t buy our soul or spirit.”
