De Zerbi is keen to retain Caicedo’s services for the coming season and gave him his first minutes in pre-season in the 2-0 win over Fulham. Caicedo also started the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Friday, despite making clear his intention to leave the club this summer.
The Italian boss has promised to make a marquee signing if he is sold, although that is unlikely to be Ugochukwu after his move advanced quickly with Chelsea.
“If Caicedo leaves, we will bring another big player. If Caicedo stays with us, I will be very happy,” De Zerbi said after the defeat against Newcastle. “But it’s not my job to decide who leaves and who comes [to the club]. It’s not my problem, the transfer market.”