Moises Caicedo remains committed to Brighton amid a sustained transfer push from Arsenal, insists Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Just one week after coaxing Leandro Trossard from the Amex Stadium in a £26million deal, the Gunners have now swiftly returned in a bid to sign one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated midfield talents before Tuesday’s January transfer deadline.
Arsenal saw a £60m bid for Caicedo rejected on Friday, with Brighton adamant that the Ecuador international will not be sold in this window.
Chelsea also saw a £55m offer for the 21-year-old snubbed last week as they sought a reunion with Graham Potter, while Liverpool are among the many other clubs credited with an interest.
Caicedo spoke recently of his focus on Brighton, though he has now switched agents and reports claim that he could yet hand in a transfer request as he desperately seeks to push through a switch to either Arsenal or Chelsea in the coming days.
It remains to be seen if the player will be involved on Sunday as Liverpool return to the south coast in the fourth round of the FA Cup out to avenge their torrid 3-0 Premier League defeat at the same venue earlier this month.
However, De Zerbi says Caicedo remains committed to the Brighton cause and reiterated his hope that he will remain at the club until the end of the season, having personally attempted to reason with his midfielder.
“He’s a good guy, he’s focussed only on Brighton,” the Italian said. “I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season, because my opinion is that that is the best solution for both him and us.
“I can understand the other big teams want our young players. I spoke with Moises on Wednesday and I told him my opinion. It’s always difficult to change in the season because you can find some problems. For our way, it’s important for him to stay for another four months.”
Expanding on the advice he has personally given to Caicedo, De Zerbi added: ”He is a good guy and I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach.
“I am not selfish, I understand the possibility to change team and go to a very big team. But my work is to give the style of play and advice for his career, for his life.”
