When Graham Potter left AMEX Stadium to take over managing Chelsea, little did he (or anyone else) expect that his successor would be this successful in leading the Seagulls. Roberto De Zerbi brought that Italian intensity to the south of England and has made Brighton one of the trickiest sides in the Premier League. The blue-and-whites are sixth in the league and have collected some spectacular wins this season, those most resounding against Manchester United, Liverpool and – you’ve guessed it – Chelsea.De Zerbi did all that without Marc Cucurella, who was voted Brighton’s best player last season, as the Spaniard followed Potter to Stamford Bridge.Cucurella is struggling in London, he seems lost down the left out-line and Potter seems to have issues with reviving the Spaniard’s form when they were both at Brighton. But the 47-year-old manager is determined to keep on bringing in more talent from his previous club. Next on the wish list – the talented Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo.##NAJAVA_MECA_6962783##Chelsea have already tested Brighton with an initial offer of 62.5 million euros and the Blues are now considering following that up with an improved bid for the midfield star.Potter’s side are hoping to reinforce their midfield department this month and have identified Brighton’s Ecuador international as a potential option.Caicedo, who joined Brighton in February 2021, has three years left on his contract at the AMEX. Chelsea have identified Caicedo as a possible replacement for N’Golo Kante, who has been a long-term injury absentee this season.Chelsea have embarked on a significant transfer spree since Todd Boehly took Chelsea off Roman Abramovich. The Blues have already made the additions of Datro Fofana, Andre Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke during the January window.Moises Caicedo and Rodri have won the most 50/50 duels in the Premier League this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/jKdGyI7VqC— PFF FC (@PFF_FC) January 14, 2023 Brighton boss De Zerbi was asked about Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo, with the Italian acknowledging he could not guarantee the midfield star will remain at the Amex Stadium this month.’He is very important for us, it would be difficult to change with another player now,’ De Zerbi said. ‘I hope he finishes the season with us, but you know in the transfer market it is always difficult to give you one answer.’When there are some bigger teams and they want one of our players, it is good news for us.’The best solution for us is he can finish the season with us. Next summer, for him, is better to change team.’Let’s follow the blind man and hope for the bestThe Ecuadorian has been the subject of strong interest not just from Chelsea but also from another underperforming giant – Liverpool. Both teams seek to strengthen the centre of their respective midfields and Caicedo seems to be ticking all the boxes.
