Brighton have reportedly rejected an offer of over £80million for Moises Caicedo, with Chelsea facing competition from a new rival in their pursuit of the midfielder.
According to the Athletic, an unidentified club are claimed to have submitted a bid surpassing Chelsea's most recent offer.
The Blues latest offer of £75m plus £5m in add-ons was turned down by the Seagulls.
Chelsea's bid was the fourth that Brighton have dismissed for Caicedo as they hold out for £100m.
Mail Sport reported earlier this month the Blues had a £70m offer for the Ecuador international rejected with Brighton seeking more.
Brighton assured Caicedo, who signed a new four-year contract, that he would be granted his wish to leave if they received an offer similar to Arsenal's in January.
However, fellow midfielder Declan Rice's £105m move from West Ham to Arsenal has prompted a rethink on Caicedo's valuation.
Caicedo emerged as one of the Premier League's top upcoming midfielders last season.
The 21-year-old Ecuadorian played an influential role as Brighton qualified for the Europa League for the first time in the club's history.
Caicedo reportedly told members at Brighton's awards ceremony on Tuesday evening that he wants to leave, as reported by Sussex World.
After collecting Brighton's Player's Player of the Season award, a beaming Caicedo is claimed to have told two guests at the procession that he hopes to complete a permanent transfer.
However, while speaking on stage he confusingly outlined how much he has enjoyed his time at the club so far.
'I am so happy to reach the Europa League with Brighton, the team who opened the door for me in the Premier League, it was so good. Why not give my best for this amazing club?' said Caicedo.
Caicedo had staged a protest at his club's unwillingness to sell him in January, after Brighton rejected a £70m bid from Arsenal.
He was told to stay away from training before eventually agreeing his four-year deal.