Brighton have told midfielder Moises Caicedo not to train ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline in response to his request to leave the club.
Caicedo made it clear in an Instagram post that he wanted to leave on Friday night, saying he would be “proud to be able to bring Brighton a record transfer fee”.
Arsenal have already rejected a £60m bid for the Ecuador international this window, while Chelsea have also expressed an interest in the 21-year-old, who has been training with the Seagulls’ first-team squad since the summer.
Sky Sports has learned that Brighton have made it clear to Arsenal that Moises Caicedo will never be sold.
Brighton also made it clear to Caicedo that he will not leave during this transfer period. They appreciated that his mind had been turned by the interest in him and gave him a few days to get back to normal for the rest of the season.
Caicedo’s social media statement read: “I’m grateful to Mr Bloom and Mr Brighton for giving me the opportunity to come to the Premier League and I feel like I’ve been doing my best for them. I always play with a smile and a heart. football.”
“I was the youngest of 10 siblings, from a poor family in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. I always dreamed of becoming the most decorated player in Ecuador’s history.
“I am proud to have brought Brighton a record transfer fee which will allow them to reinvest in it and help the club continue to be successful.
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Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has provided details of Arsenal’s £60m bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
“The fans took me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart, so I hope they understand why I took this amazing opportunity.”
Caicedo told Brighton’s official website earlier this week that he was only focused on his current club.
Leandro Trossard has swapped Brighton for Arsenal for £27m in the current window, but Brighton are determined to keep Caicedo.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta declined to comment on the midfielder when asked about him following Friday night’s 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round loss to Manchester City.
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Roberto De Zerby says he talks to Moises Caicedo like a father rather than a coach and wants him to stay at Brighton until the end of the season.
Arteta said: “You know, I’m not going to comment on any player until it’s done, I’m going to continue like this, sorry.
“As I said before, we’ve been very active in the transfer market. We have some necessities and if something is available, the club is willing to try to do that where it makes sense and hopefully this player will improve our squad.”
