Brighton rejects £70m Chelsea bid for Moises Caicedo

Brighton denies Chelsea's £70million bid for midfielder Moises Caicedo, sparking Premier League interest.

Brighton & Hove Albion have turned down a second bid from Chelsea, believed to be around £70 million, for midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian international expressed his desire to leave in January but signed a new contract in March.

Despite his commitment to Brighton, several Premier League clubs, particularly Chelsea, are still keen on acquiring the 21-year-old's services.

Chelsea's persistent pursuit of Moises Caicedo has intensified as the two teams are set to face off in the Premier League's pre-season tournament in Philadelphia.

Caicedo, who has been given extended leave, will join the squad directly from Ecuador, while Brighton's team is scheduled to travel on Tuesday.

Moises Caicedo joined Brighton from Independiente del Valle in February 2021 for a reported fee of £4.5 million.

Although he didn't feature in his first season, the midfielder spent the first half of the 2021–22 campaign on loan at Beerschot before being recalled by Brighton in January 2022.

He made his Premier League debut in April 2022 and has since made 53 appearances, scoring two goals.

Brighton's sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing a spot in the Europa League group stage, has further amplified interest in Caicedo's abilities.

However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will return with an improved offer or if other clubs will enter the race to secure the talented midfielder's signature.