Brighton have told Arsenal Moises Caicedo is not for sale after rejecting a £60m bid.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his squad after losing Mohamed Elneny to injury and is desperately short of options in midfield. They have brought forward summer plans to buy a midfielder and made a move for the Ecuador international to boost their Premier League title push.
Chelsea have also had a £55m bid rejected and Arsenal may yet go back with a higher offer but Brighton are insistent that they will not sell in this window. Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi said: “I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach.
"I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because for my idea and in my opinion that's the best solution for him and for us.”
Caicedo may push for a move despite insisting earlier in the week that he is “focused” on staying at Brighton despite transfer links following his performances at the World Cup.
Arsenal have got Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey as their first choice midfield axis but it is the biggest area of concern for Arteta. They are also keen on West Ham ’s Declan Rice for the summer but want Caicedo now - but Brighton do not want to sell.
Arsenal bought Leandro Trossard from Brighton for a cut-price £27m and also signed Poland defender Jakub Kiwior for £19m. They also want to do a deal for Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda with a deal including a loan back option on the cards.
Caicedo addressed the rumours earlier this week, the Ecuadorian said: "I am focused on Brighton. "I am here, I'm playing every day. Things from outside don't trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I'm focused only on here.
"I handle (speculation) well. You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week."
