Roberto De Zerbi has spoken about Moises Caicedo's failed exit from Brighton in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to both Arsenal and Chelsea last month but a switch failed to materialise.
football.london understands that Caicedo was the Gunners' primary target and it's believed that Edu submitted two bids for the Ecuador international. But both were rejected, with the Seagulls insistent on not selling the midfielder.
It's said that Todd Boehly was also looking to sign Caicedo in the event that the Blues failed in their mission to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. The west Londoners eventually prioritised a move for the Argentina international as they grew in confidence before wrapping up a deal worth £106.7million.
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Speaking on Caicedo staying at the club, Brighton manager De Zerbi said: “I am happy that Moises Caicedo has stayed with us. I want to speak to our fans to support him”.
"I love Moises. Everyone in the club loves him and I want the fans to follow me — let’s support Caicedo”.
The Brighton manager was not the person to speak on the transfer situation, as on an interview with Marca90Ec, as quoted by Ole, Caicedo's agent Manuel Sierra addressed his client's failed move. Sierra took responsibility for helping draft the youngster's statement.
"The offers were received, you see what is on the table and Moises says that he wants to go forward, that it is the dream of his whole life," said the Brighton star's agent. "That it is an opportunity that may not be repeated in life.
"And we helped draft the statement. In that statement, he expresses his wish and his gratitude to the club because they gave him the chance to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League."
Caicedo returned to Brighton training the day after deadline day after being told not return to the training ground until after the transfer window. It is expected that tha Ecuadorian will be included in the Seagull's next matchday squad.
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