Roberto De Zerbi raises major Chelsea transfer concern as Todd Boehly sent FFP sanction warning

Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that he was disappointed that Moises Caicedo left Brighton to join Chelsea. The 22-year-old midfielder swapped the Amex Stadium for Stamford Bridge in the summer for a British-record fee, penning an eight-year deal in west London.

After it was revealed that the Blues beat Liverpool to Caicedo's signature, De Zerbi raised a few eyebrows by claiming that the Seagulls have 'already forgotten' about him. The Brighton boss said: «I have already forgotten about Moises.

»I'm really proud of the players we have in the squad. We want to keep improving. The credit goes to the club. Bigger clubs can buy our players but they can't buy our soul or spirit.

«We don't have enough (players) yet, we need to complete the squad. I want players who want to come here. We are Brighton, we achieved a big target last year — the same as Liverpool, better than Chelsea. I would like players who are proud to play in Brighton.»

The Italian's snub came as quite the surprise – especially after the youngster had enjoyed such a meteoric rise to superstardom on the south coast. Alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the park, Caicedo played a crucial role in Brighton's best ever Premier League campaign as they secured Europa League qualification.

Despite the Ecudorian's best efforts, he was snubbed. While Brighton have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, they've begun to struggle in Caicedo's absence and De Zerbi has finally conceded just how important he was.

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Speaking to TNT Sports, the Seagulls boss said: «I am sorry to lose