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Moises Caicedo transfer: Arsenal, Chelsea discover Brighton intentions after exit request draws huge response

Moises Caicedo Brighton August 2022

Brighton and Hove Albion remained determined to keep Moises Caicedo in January and will not sell the midfielder to Arsenal or Chelsea for any price, TEAMtalk understands.

Caicedo was the subject of a £55million bid from Chelsea earlier in the winter transfer window. However, this was soon rejected by Robert De Zerbi’s team.

Arsenal got involved in the bidding on Friday. They sent Brighton a £60m offer to try and take the central midfielder to Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal received the same treatment as Chelsea as their proposal was also pushed back. Responding to the news, Caicedo made a public transfer plea by saying: “I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.

“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.

“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.

“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”

Despite the 21-year-old hoping to leave, TEAMtalk understands Brighton are firm in their stance of keeping him on the south coast this month.

Midfielder set to remain at the Amex

Club chiefs get why Caicedo wants to consider the options available to him, namely Arsenal and Chelsea. But owner Tony Bloom is completely behind the club’s hierarchy and will not allow him to go anywhere.

Caicedo changed agents recently. Brighton expected them to get to work on an exit from the start, but they will not be pushed around.

TEAMtalk has learned that Brighton have made it clear to Caicedo’s representatives that he will not be moving, no matter how much money Arsenal or Chelsea put on the table.

Arsenal and Chelsea are set to return with new offers, despite Brighton’s stance.

One big reason Brighton are not wanting to sell – and this should not be underestimated – is that if they allow Caicedo to force his way out then that sets a hugely dangerous precedent for them. And that is not something they are prepared to do.

Meanwhile, a former Arsenal player could help a Tottenham transfer go through, according to reports.