Roberto De Zerbi suggests Brighton will replace Moises Caicedo following Chelsea move

Caicedo was one of Albion’s best players last season and was sold to Chelsea for a British transfer record fee of £115m.

The Seagulls are said to have a list of potential replacements for the Ecuadorian midfielder, including Lille teenager Carlos Baleba and RB Salzburg’s Lucas Gourna-Douath.

When asked about any potential transfer dealings before September 1, Caicedo said: “I don’t know, we have studied many midfielders and I don’t know what the situation is now.

"I think we are working on a new midfielder, but I don’t know the situation. My focus is only on Wolverhampton.”

HAVE YOU READ THIS?

Three Brighton players expected to leave on loan before the window closes

Roberto De Zerbi provides injury update on three players ahead of Wolves clash

Baleba is said to be the Sussex side’s ideal replacement for Caicedo, but their initial bid of £14.5m plus £2.5m in add-ons was rejected, as the French club want at least £25m for the Cameroonian.

Gourna-Douath is also being monitored by Brighton, but is a much lower priority amongst several other unknown targets.

Caicedo leaves the Amex Stadium having made 53 appearances for the club since joining from Independiente del Valle for around £4m in 2021.

De Zerbi wished his former player well and hoped the 21-year-old would have a ‘great season’ with his new West London side.

The Brighton boss said: “He [Caicedo] sent a message. I hope for him that he can play a great season because when I work with the players, after they leave I want all of them to go onto great things.”