Moises Caicedo and his representatives are reportedly set to ask Brighton & Hove Albion to lower their £100m asking price for the midfielder, after Chelsea saw their third bid for the player rejected.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign for the Seagulls in 2022-23, helping the club to sixth place in the Premier League and their first-ever spot in European football.
Caicedo featured in all but one of Brighton's league matches - starting on 34 occasions - and formed impressive midfield partnerships with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine World Cup winner departed earlier in the window to Liverpool for £35m, and it is understood that the Ecuadorian wants to follow the attacking midfielder out of the door on the South coast.
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According to The Times, Caicedo and his representatives will ask Brighton to reduce their asking price for the player, with a view of Chelsea's next bid being accepted.
It has been widely reported that the West Londoners had a bid of £80m for the midfielder rejected on Thursday, as Roberto De Zerbi's men remain stubborn on how much they would like to pocket from a potential sale.
It is believed that Chelsea's bid entailed £75m being paid initially with £5m arriving in the form of add-ons, however Brighton are said to have dismissed that offer 'instantly' via email.
Caicedo has been the subject of intense transfer speculation since the turn of the calendar year, and it is believed that the player could earn his move away from Brighton this summer.
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Both the Blues and Arsenal had bids in January turned down for the Ecuadorian enforcer, and Mikel Arteta's Gunners have since secured the services of England international Declan Rice for £105m.
After remaining at Brighton past the January transfer window, Caicedo put pen to paper to fresh terms on the South coast in March, however the player is still wishing for a move to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton are currently in the United States taking part in the Premier League Summer Series, and Caicedo was named in De Zerbi's starting XI against Newcastle United in their final game of the tournament.
The Seagulls' owner Tony Bloom will be hoping that Caicedo is around to feature in the club's opening Premier League match of the 2023-24 campaign against top-flight newcomers Luton Town on August 12.
Carter White
