Brighton chief executive Paul Barber expects Moises Caicedo to start their opening game of the season against Luton on Saturday, as Chelsea prepare a fresh bid for midfielder.
Chelsea have had multiple bids for Caicedo rejected this summer but remain confident of agreeing a deal to bring the 21-year-old Ecuador international to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton rejected an improved £80m bid from Chelsea last month and value Caicedo at £100m.
Mauricio Pochettino is keen to strengthen his midfield before Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Caicedo was left out of the Brighton squad for their pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano yesterday, sparking suggestions that a move to Chelsea was close.
Brighton said Caicedo was not involved due to a tight hamstring and their chief executive Barber said: “We’re looking forward to Moises starting the season with us, he’s a Brighton player under a long-term contract.
“He’s probably one of the most exciting young midfield players in the world at the moment and we’re delighted to have him.”
Chelsea completed the £25m signing of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are optimistic Christopher Nkunku avoided a significant knee injury in their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago last week.
The £52m summer signing is likely to miss the first game of the season against Liverpool but is expected to be out for weeks and not months.
Chelsea have offered Ian Maatsen a new contract after his impressive form in pre-season and Pochettino has told the 21-year-old he wants to keep him in his squad this season.
