De Zerbi gives update on Moises Caicedo future after Arsenal and Chelsea bids

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has not ruled out the possibility of Moises Caicedo leaving the club before the January transfer window closes.

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Arsenal and Chelsea have both seen bids for the Ecuador international rejected this month.

In a statement released on Friday night, the 21-year-old made it clear he is hoping to leave the AMEX Stadium before Tuesday’s deadline.

Caciedo has been left out of the Brighton squad for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Liverpool with his manager quizzed on his absence ahead of kick-off.

De Zerbi underlined the club’s intention to hold onto their prized midfielder but admitted the club will consider the best ‘solution’ for all parties.

‘Moises is a good guy, we will see tomorrow and the next days what happens,’ De Zerbi told ITV.

‘We hope he will stay with us until the end of the season but this is a question for the club and Moises.

Asked if Brighton have realistic hopes of retaining the player following his statement, De Zerbi repeated: ‘Moises is a good guy.

‘I think in life you can make mistakes. For every one there are many solutions and we will see the best solution for the club and for him and for us.’

Arsenal are understood to have seen a £60million offer for the midfielder rejected on Friday while Chelsea’s offer of £55m was also turned away earlier this month.

The London clubs are preparing improved offers with reports suggesting Brighton could cash in if they recieve an offer of £90m.

In a statement released on Twitter on Friday night, Caicedo said: ‘I am grateful to Mr. Bloom [owner and chairman] 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.’

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