Brighton make major Moises Caicedo announcement amid lingering links with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool

Moises Caicedo has signed a new contract with Brighton barely two months after trying to leave the club, it has been announced.

Caicedo was the subject of interest from Arsenal and Chelsea during the January transfer window. Moving to the former might have been particularly appealing, since they are trying to win the Premier League title this season.

A move from Brighton to Arsenal would have seen him follow in the footsteps of Leandro Trossard, who had made a similar move earlier in the month.

Alternatively, he could have gone to Chelsea in order to reunite with former Brighton boss, Graham Potter, and ex-teammate Marc Cucurella.

Amid the temptation of joining a bigger club, Caicedo issued a heartfelt plea to leave Brighton in late January, shortly after TEAMtalk revealed he would be submitting a transfer request.

But Brighton were in no mood to let another of their top performers leave after losing Trossard midway through what has been a successful season for them so far. Therefore, they kept hold of Caicedo, rejecting Arsenal’s approaches on deadline day.

Reports since have suggested Caicedo is worried he might not be as high on other clubs’ shortlists in the summer. That said, TEAMtalk was told in February that Arsenal reviving their interest couldn’t be ruled out, while Chelsea could remain contenders for his signature along with Liverpool.

But now, Brighton have sent a clear message about Caicedo’s future. Indeed, they have announced that the Ecuador international has signed a new, long-term contract.

Previously, his terms were due to expire in 2025. Now, though, Brighton have him under contract until 2027, while they will retain the option to extend his stay into 2028 should they wish.

Roberto De Zerbi reacts to Moises Caicedo contract extension

Speaking on their club website, head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “This is a fantastic news for the club, our fans, for me and most importantly for Moises.

“It will make us stronger as we move forward towards our targets on the pitch.”

Caicedo has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, including 19 since De Zerbi replaced Potter. His overall record in Brighton colours is 35 games, two goals and three assists.

At the age of 21, there is plenty of time ahead for him to step up to a bigger club. But Brighton could be the best place for him to be at present.

Arsenal and Chelsea both made alternative midfield signings in January after Caicedo proved to be out of reach. The Gunners took Jorginho from the Blues, who replaced him by breaking the British transfer record on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

Still, Caicedo is a promising talent for the future who will be worth monitoring. He is more likely to get regular gametime at the Amex Stadium for now, though.

It is slightly surprising to see him signing a contract extension so soon after asking to leave the club. But it will protect his current employers in terms of the valuation they can set for him, should any other suitors approach in the months and years ahead.

And TEAMtalk understands Caicedo is not the only Brighton player in line for a new contract, since one of his teammates is destined for greater recognition too…