Roberto De Zerbi insists Moises Caicedo ‘is focused only on Brighton’ despite the midfielder considering handing in a transfer request to force through £60m move to Arsenal or Chelsea
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo wants to join Arsenal or Chelsea before Tuesday’s transfer deadline and is ready to push for his dream move.
The Gunners have had a £60million bid for the Ecuadorian rejected but Caicedo wants the opportunity to join one of the London giants.
The 21-year-old is concerned he may not get the chance to join Arsenal or Chelsea in the summer, with the clubs set to go head-to-head for West Ham captain Declan Rice at the end of the season.
Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi has insisted Moises Caicedo ‘is focused only on Brighton’
Sportsmail understands Caicedo is desperate for a move and could submit a transfer request
Sportsmail understands Caicedo has not ruled out putting in a transfer request to force a move, but Brighton are under no pressure to sell having allowed Leandro Trossard to join Arsenal for £21million last week.
Caicedo, who has 28 caps for his country, is under contract until 2025. He joined Brighton in 2021 for £4.5m from Independiente del Valle in his homeland.
He was sent on loan to Belgian side Beerschot in the first half of last season and has played 31 times for Brighton, scoring twice.
The Gunners are set to return with an improved offer for the 21-year-old midfielder (right)
News of Arsenal’s offer may see Chelsea step up their interest. The Blues stole Mykhailo Mudryk from under Arsenal’s noses earlier this month for £88m.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said of Caicedo: ‘I think he is a good guy, he is only focused on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season.
‘In my opinion, that is the best solution for him and us.
‘I spoke to him on Wednesday and told him it is difficult to change teams during the season. It is important for him to stay another four months with us. He is relaxed. I spoke to him like a father, not a coach.
‘I understand when a player has a possibility to go to a big team, it is a big moment. My job is to give him the style of play but also advice on his career and life.’
The Gunners want to strengthen their options in midfield after an injury to Mohamed Elneny
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