Brighton star Moises Caicedo breaks silence on Chelsea interest as pre-season stance is made

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo admitted he is flattered by constant links to Chelsea because they are one of the best clubs in the world ahead of his return to Brighton this week.

The midfielder is Chelsea’s prime summer target after the sale of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount, but the Blues have since not been able to strike a deal with the Seagulls.

Brighton maintains they will only entertain a deal in the region of £100millloin or a fee closer to what West Ham got from Arsenal for Declan Rice. Last January, Brighton turned down two offers including a £70million from the Gunners for the Ecuador international.

Chelsea’s strong financial position after shipping put nine players including goalkeeper Edoaud Mendy, defender Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has strengthened Brighton's resolve to exact the maximum fee from the two-time Champions League-winning side.

Sources have told LondonWorld that the midfielder is expected back to pre-season for the first time this week but he’s been speaking to the media back home in Ecuador ahead of his return to Sussex.

He is quoted by The Argus through Ecuadorian reporter Maria Jose Flores on Chelsea's sustained interest in him: “It’s a big team, that’s true. A very historic team and I can’t say No, because it’s a very big, historic, beautiful team. The city as well is beautiful. It’s got everything beautiful.”

Caicedo was also quick to acknowledge Brighton fans, speaking of how well they’ve treated him and his family from day one.

He added: “The affection of the fans, the affection that all of us players have mutually. It’s like a family.

“I like the directors, who have always treated us very well in the club and that’s something you appreciate and can take forever in your mind.”

Chelsea have stepped up their pre-season training at Cobham but have clearly pushed back the return dates for out-of-favour players like Romelu Lukaku, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang