Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has sent a clear message to Chelsea explaining how they would be able to sign Moises Caicedo this summer – while also taking a jab at the Blues. The Italian also squashed rumours that he has ‘agreed’ to allow the midfielder to leave, insisting that he is not in control of those sorts of decisions.
Caicedo has caught the eye of numerous top clubs since breaking onto the scene with Brighton, with Arsenal and Chelsea both tabling offers for his services in the January transfer window, which were consequently rejected. The latter have remained keen though, with newly-appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino agreeing that the playmaker would be the ideal acquisition to strengthen the core of his side.
The Blues have seen two bids knocked back for the services of the Ecuador international and are preparing a third offer, with Brighton demanding £100million for the midfielder. However, De Zerbi has publicly revealed that the club could compromise on that stance if former loanee Levi Colwill is included in the deal.
Speaking ahead of their pre-season friendly, the former Sassuolo boss was asked about Colwill, to which he replied: “I am proud of Levi because he showed his quality with the national team [at the U-21 Euros this summer] and I am very happy for him. I love him but he is not our player. And there are two questions. Not only about Caicedo, but also about Colwill, and maybe it can be [a swap].”
With tensions already high between the two clubs, De Zerbi then appeared to fuel the fire with a subtle dig at Chelsea over their lack of European football this season, continuing: “It’s a clear situation at the moment. He stays with us until my owner changes his mind.
“I don’t know what can happen in the future, but if Moises leaves we have to find the right player because it’s difficult to replace a player as good as Moises. We have to substitute him with a great player because this year we play in the Europa League, unlike Chelsea.”
Brighton have insisted in negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit that altering their stance on not selling Colwill this summer could unlock a deal for a lesser fee, and De Zerbi echoing that message is a tell-tell sign that they will not sacrifice their leverage in negotiations.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
