Brighton don't expect to sell Chelsea target Moises Caicedo

Brighton don't expect to sell Chelsea target Moises Caicedo – and have told the player,Despite a renewed offensive in Chelsea's attempts to sign Moises Caicedo this summer, Brighton are seemingly holding firm on the player and are refusing to budge

Brighton don’t expect to sell Chelsea target Moises Caicedo – and have told the player

Moises Caicedo may be forced to stick it out for another season at the Amex Stadium after being told Brighton don't expect to give in to Chelsea this summer.

The Blues were among the clubs closely linked with the Ecuador international in January and have come back with renewed bids in recent weeks. However, Roberto de Zerbi's side are holding firm over their valuation being met and have told the player to be prepared to stay.

BBC Sport report the Seagulls have made Caicedo aware in talks with the player over their stance, and they don't expect it to be an issue after their holding midfield star signed a new contract back in March. Caicedo's new deal runs until the summer of 2027, leaving the club in no particular rush to sell – although he has spoken publicly to fans this week about his desire to move on.

It's understood Chelsea's most recent offer for the South American star was worth around £80million. However, reports have long suggested Brighton are seeking closer to £100m if they're to be convinced to cash in.

READ MORE: David Raya told to join Chelsea as 'something isn't right' with Arsenal transfer deal

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been rumoured among Caicedo's admirers, though the Gunners have since signed Declan Rice from West Ham in a £105m deal. United, meanwhile, look likely to close a deal for Fiorentina and Morocco anchor Sofyan Amrabat.

De Zerbi has already lost one key member of his midfield from last season after selling Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool for a reported £35m. The Argentinian's move cost far less due to a release clause in his Brighton contract, whereas Caicedo has no such stipulations in his deal.

Interest from the Saudi Pro League was mooted on Wednesday, but Brighton still seem comfortable their £100m valuation won't be met by any club, at home or abroad.

What do you think is a fair price for Moises Caicedo in today's market? Let us know in the comments section below.

Caicedo may be disappointed once again in his search for the Brighton exit (Image: Getty Images)

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That's left Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher as the only senior midfield options at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino's side recently announced the £23m signing of Rennes anchor Lesley Ugochukwu this week, though the 19-year-old is lacking in top-flight experience and may take time adjusting to the Premier League.

Italy under-21 Cesare Casadei may also be handed new responsibilities this season after being promoted from the youth team, though he too is lacking in senior minutes.

Brighton, meanwhile, have signed James Milner to a one-year deal following his Liverpool exit and also recruited Germany international Mahmoud Dahoud after he was released by Borussia Dortmund. England under-20 international Jensen Weir may also be eyeing a break into Brighton's first team after a few sightings in pre-season, having made 52 appearances on loan for Morecambe last term (albeit as they were relegated from League One).