07 July 2023 , 23:00
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Moises Caicedo insists he won't get carried away, even if he's enjoying the current transfer attention coming his way.
The Ecuador midfielder signed a new deal with Brighton midway through last season after the Seagulls rebuffed interest from Arsenal. Now, though, both Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with a summer swoop.
After showing his qualities as a Premier League midfielder last term, Caicedo is set to command a high fee - possibly even one comparable to the £100+5m Arsenal are spending on Declan Rice. That doesn't seem to be bothering the player himself, as he makes the most of the interest from some big-hitters.
"It's a very great emotion," Caicedo told broadcaster Maria Jose Flores (via 90min). "What guy wouldn't want them to be talking about him?
"I know how to handle it. I don't get carried away by emotions. I'm enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me."
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Caicedo also spoke about compatriot Kendry Paez, with the teenager due to join Chelsea in 2025. "Kendry is a star," the 21-year-old added. "Watching him play is a pleasure."
Where will Moises Caicedo be playing next season? Have your say in the comments section
Moises Caicedo has made a big impression at Brighton (Getty Images)Chelsea's interest in Caicedo comes as they aim to rebuild in the middle of the park. N'Golo Kante has left the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract, while the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have also moved on.
The Blues have added Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to their ranks as they prepare for a first season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz also leaving, there is likely to be further movement before transfer deadline day.
“When I talk about the future, it's about the players in the squad,” Pochettino said at his introductory press conference when the subject of Mount was raised. The England star joined Man Utd in a deal worth up to £60m, putting strain on Erik ten Hag's transfer budget and raising questions over whether United can add Caicedo this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino could add Caicedo as part of a Chelsea rebuild (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)“He is a Manchester United player now," Pochettino added. "I don't know what happened in the past, we need to be focused on our players and move and try to build a nice story.”
Brighton have already recruited in midfield, so will still be well-stocked in midfield even if they lose Caicedo, though they have reinvested in the past after receiving big fees. One such example saw them pick up Caicedo's international team-mate Pervis Estupinan for £15m after selling Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for substantially more.
They have already lost Alexis Mac Allister this summer, with the Argentina midfielder joining Liverpool. Former England international James Milner has moved in the opposite direction, though, while Mahmoud Dahoud has joined on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.