Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has made his thoughts clear on Moises Caicedo as Chelsea continue to be linked with the midfielder.
Caicedo himself seems keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, although Brighton are not willing to let their prized asset leave on the cheap.
De Zerbi has already insisted that Caicedo is in his plans for the upcoming season as Brighton gear up for the Premier League and Europa League.
Following on from his comments on Friday night, the Italian boss took the opportunity to aim a subtle dig at Chelsea over their lack of European football next season.
“It’s a clear situation at the moment. He stays with us until my owner changes his mind,” De Zerbi told Ben Jacobs.
“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.
“You have to speak with Tony [Bloom] not with me [to see] if he wants to leave. He extended his contract in February and now we are in July, so after five months I don’t know if he can change his idea.”
Chelsea already have an agreement in place with Caicedo over personal terms, but the two clubs are yet to come to an agreement.
The idea of a swap deal involving Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has also been rumoured after the defender impressed while on loan last season.
However, De Zerbi himself has clarified that he hasn’t held any discussions with Colwill over a potential permanent transfer.
“I don’t speak with Colwill. We haven’t spoken for a month. With Moises I spoke with him once but not about the transfer market. I can say my opinion, but it’s not my job… I’m happy to meet [Levi] but not discuss anything else.”
Given Chelsea’s lack of midfield options right now, they will be desperate to secure a deal for Caicedo as soon as possible.
Brighton have resisted Chelsea’s interest up until this point though, with the club said to be holding out for a record deal.
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