Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi insists the sale of Moises Caicedo is no guarantee.
The Seagulls have rejected a 70m offer from Chelsea for Ecuador international.
De Zerbi said: I spoke with (chairman) Tony Bloom and he told me if the conditions don't change, Moises stays with us.
For me it should be great news because it is difficult to find another player like Moises.
If Moises leaves, we have to find another player of the same level because we deserve to play next season with the same level of midfielder and deserve to play in the Europa League and we have to compete and we want to compete at our best."
De Zerbi added: He has to know he is playing for Brighton and he has to give his best to Brighton.
I think he is still a good guy and I have no doubt about Moises' attitude, about Moises' behaviour."
De Zerbi also denied claims he had promised Caicedo he would be allowed to leave.
No, it is not true because I am a coach and not an owner, not a sporting director.
I am only the coach and, believe me, it is difficult to be a coach.
In my work I am used to speaking with my players every day for every question, every part of life - not only football.
But I didn't give my word for anything. We didn't speak about the next transfer market window and for me he is a player like the others.
Okay, we are Brighton and I can understand we have to sell any player at the end of the season, like Mac Allister.
But at the moment I have not received news about Caicedo can leave tomorrow or the next week.
I start the next season with Caicedo in my head in the first XI for sure."