Moises Caicedo has expressed his desire to Brighton during the ongoing summer transfer window while attending the club’s awards evening, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is being pursued by Chelsea who had an initial £80million bid rejected by Brighton for their star midfielder.
However, Caicedo has openly told members at Brighton’s awards ceremony on Tuesday evening that he wants to leave, as reported by Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 World.
The announcement will encourage Chelsea that their top target is keen to try and force through a transfer to Stamford Bridge, despite Brighton holding out for an offer in the region of £100m.
Caicedo emerged as one of the Premier League’s top upcoming midfielders last season and played an influential role as Brighton qualified for the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history.
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo (middle) has apparently admitted he wants to leave the club
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (pictured) is keen to capture Caicedo this summer
But despite previously expressing interest in joining Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Caicedo wasn’t reportedly willing to discuss Chelsea when speaking with audience members at the Amex.
After collecting Brighton’s Player’s Player of the Season award, a beaming Caicedo is claimed to have told two guests at the procession that he hopes to complete a permanent transfer.
However, while speaking on stage he confusingly outlined how much he has enjoyed his time at the club so far.
‘I am so happy to reach the Europa League with Brighton, the team who opened the door for me in the Premier League, it was so good. Why not give my best for this amazing club?’ said Caicedo.
He was previously chased by Arsenal in the January transfer window as the Gunners made a £70m that was similarly rejected.
The Ecuadorian staged a protest at his club’s unwillingness to sell him and was told to stay away from training before eventually agreeing a new four-year deal.
The 21-year-old (left) has been keeping fit on Brighton’s pre-season tour of America
Caicedo (left) won Brighton’s Player’s Player of the season award at the club’s award ceremony on Tuesday
Brighton assured the player at the time of signing a new contract that a summer exit would be permitted if their valuation was met.
However, that valuation is understood to have increased given Arsenal had to pay out £105m to West Ham for English midfielder Declan Rice.
Caicedo has featured in Brighton’s most recent pre-season encounters, coming on against Brentford and starting in Roberto de Zerbi side’s defeat to Newcastle.
But didn’t feature in the squad for their Stateside clash with Chelsea prior to the Blues becoming the Premier League’s Summer Series winners.
