Caicedo says Brighton “are like family” amid Chelsea links

Moises Caicedo has spoken in glowing terms about Brighton & Hove Albion as reports continue to link the midfielder with a move to Chelsea.

Caicedo made the remarks during an in-depth interview with journalist Maria Jose Flores in Ecuador, where he remains on holiday.

Whilst most of the Albion squad returned to pre-season training last week, some players involved in international matches through to the middle of June were given additional time off.

When asked by Flores what was so special about playing for Brighton, Caicedo said: “The affection of the fans, the affection that all of us players have mutually. It’s like a family.”

“I like the directors, who have always treated us very well in the club and that’s something you appreciate and can take forever in your mind.”

Interest in Caicedo remains high from the European Super League Elite Six clubs. Arsenal had a £70 million bid for his services rejected in January after Chelsea submitted a laughable offer of their own.

Just four months on from Graham Potter publicly stating Caicedo was worth £100 million, Glow Up and his new paymasters at Stamford Bridge bid £55 million for the midfielder.

Arsenal have since moved onto Declan Rice. Chelsea retain their interest in Caicedo, but Brighton have upped their valuation in light of the fee for Rice being £105 million.

Although Tony Bloom never names an asking price with the onus on the buying club to keep bidding until they hit a number he likes, it seems to be accepted fact the Albion are now eyeing £100 million for Caicedo.

Chelsea are not the only club wanting to secure the services of Caicedo this summer. Manchester United have been linked too, a move Caicedo would favour having been a boyhood fan.

Flores questioned Caicedo about all the speculation surrounding his future. He replied: “What kid wouldn’t like to have teams like that talking about him?

“It’s something I handle well. I try to stay calm. I’m enjoying time with my family which is the most important thing at the moment.”

“I know it’s pressure if you put it like that but I’m calm. I’m waiting for what God decides because He knows what is best for me.”

Whereas many media outlets are reporting that Caicedo is desperate to join Chelsea, his interview with Flores suggests otherwise.

This is a young man totally relaxed about his future. He seems to have learnt from what happened in January and that ill-advised statement posted by his agent on Instagram begging to have a move to Arsenal sanctioned.

When Bloom refused to do so, many Gunners fans predicted an unhappy Caicedo would down tools, rock the boat and cost Brighton in their quest for European football.

How wrong can you be? Caicedo knuckled down and was even better in the second half of the campaign, driving the Albion to sixth spot.

Arsenal meanwhile were overhaled by Manchester City in the title race, ending the season without a trophy. Stop laughing at the back…

If Chelsea, United or anyone else for that matter do not meet Brighton’s valuation of Caicedo, then he will not be going anywhere.

And right now, it looks like club and crucially player are okay with that. Who knows what Caicedo could help his Brighton family achieve in another season at the Amex?

There were some other quotes from the interview with Flores about Chelsea and how Caicedo would find it hard to say no to the Blues. But they do not really fit the agenda we have here about Caicedo not wanting to leave Brighton.

And seeing as every other fucker is selectively quoting this interview to spin a certain story, why not WAB? That is how it works, right?