Sources: Brighton refusing to let three best players go after Mitoma and Caicedo updates
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Sources: Brighton refusing to let three best players go after Mitoma and Caicedo updates

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Brighton are refusing to allow Kaoru Mitoma depart the club after resigning themselves to losing Moises Caicedo this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (8 August) that Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi is desperate to keep Mitoma, 26, at Brighton despite reported interest from Man City.

The Japan international has been widely linked with the treble-winners – who have lost decorated winger Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli this summer.

But it is believed Brighton are set to refuse any offers for Mitoma, who was considered one of the best wingers in the Premier League last term.

The south coast club, who secured Europa League qualification for the first-ever time last season, lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool earlier in the window.

Now, midfield star Caicedo has been "unsettled" by continued interest from Chelsea - despite signing a fresh long-term contract earlier this year.

They have resigned themselves to losing the midfielder if their £100million valuation is met.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (8 August) that Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is expecting the Ecuador international to his player by the end of the transfer window as the Londoners prepare a new £90million bid.

Brighton have already fallen short in their bid to bring England Under-21 defender Levi Colwill back to the club permanently after a successful loan spell last season.

As such, De Zerbi's side are desperate to keep hold of one of last season's stars in Mitoma.

That is despite him having just two years left to run on his contract at the club, which earns him a reported wage of £10,000-a-week.

Mitoma, who originally signed for the south coast club in 2021, notched 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign.

The winger and De Zerbi's side are back in action against Luton Town on Saturday (12 August).

In other news, Brighton reject defender offer from Euro outfit.

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