Moises Caicedo has opened up on being at the centre of attention this summer as speculation over his future continues into the window.
Chelsea are still pushing to sign the 21-year-old and still have him as their priority target in the coming weeks, football.london understands, but nothing official has been done of yet. Brighton, who have had two bids of £30million and £40million rejected for Levi Colwill themselves, are not prepared to watch their prize asset leave on the cheap.
Even though manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Caicedo is likely to leave, Chelsea know that a deal will not come easily and that negotiating with Brighton is nothing to be taken lightly.
Even though the midfield market is a strongly populated one with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and James Maddison already moving in the past six months, Chelsea have the coast clear.
They are the only top side in the league yet to make an addition in the position and have what appears to be a free run at Caicedo, especially after Manchester United completed the signing of Mount following their own foray into interest for the Ecuadorian.
The constant talk over his future isn't having a negative impact, though. "It's a very great emotion [being linked with a move]," he told Maria Jose Flores. "What guy wouldn't want them to be talking about him?
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"I know how to handle it. I don't get carried away by emotions. I'm enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me."
The youngster had two bids from Arsenal rejected for him in January and appeared to make moves towards an early exit when he penned what appeared to be a public transfer request on social media. Weeks later he then signed a new long-term contract with the Seasiders but that does not seem set to keep him at the Amex Stadium for much longer.
Brighton have added both James Milner and Mahmoud Dahoud in midfield already this window and are readying themselves to lose their star man. Chelsea, on the other hand, are looking to make improvements and additions for Mauricio Pochettino's squad heading into the pre-season tour of America.
They travel to the States next week and are hopeful of taking with them a group best resembling the group that will be playing consistent Premier League action during the 2023/24 campaign. Speaking about the process of making transfers both in and out of Stamford Bridge, he said: "When we met for first time, and agreed to start work on July. Laurence and Paul represent the plans for the squad.
"They showed me the transition plan, they start to work, the club start to work. It is doing a fantastic job and I am happy. From now, from the 1st of July I am more involved, I want to work with them."
He also spoke of how he was looking to build his squad, adding: "It is important to finish the squad and have a balanced squad." He later said: "We are going to have a squad of players who can deliver."
They now see Caicedo as someone who fits that bill but will be made to work hard to make it a reality.
