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Moises Caicedo confirms desire to leave Brighton amid Arsenal links

Moises Caicedo confirms desire to leave Brighton
© Reuters
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo confirms that he wants to leave the club following reports of a rejected £60m bid from Arsenal.

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo has publicly admitted that he wants to take up a "magnificent opportunity" elsewhere amid links with Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Ecuador international is one of the hottest properties on the Premier League transfer market after starring in the Seagulls' midfield under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi.

Liverpool were initially strongly linked with a move for Caicedo, but the Reds are not expected to make any more big-money signings this month as they prioritise a move for Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham in the summer.

Chelsea had seemingly emerged as the frontrunners for Caicedo in recent weeks, with Potter keen to reunite with his former player at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues had a £55m bid swiftly turned down.

On Friday, it was reported that Arsenal were the latest team to submit an offer for the 21-year-old - believed to be in the region of £60m - although that bid was also rejected by Brighton.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo pictured training ahead of kickoff on August 7, 2022© Reuters

Caicedo's contract with Brighton does not expire until the summer of 2025, and the Seagulls have apparently made it clear that he will not be allowed to leave for less than £100m in January.

However, following news of Arsenal's rejected bid, Caicedo took to Instagram to announce his desire to leave Brighton, believing that the club could "reinvest" and continue along the path to success with a record transfer fee.

"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," Caicedo wrote.

"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.

Ecuador's Moises Caicedo during the match on June 13, 2021© Reuters

"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."

Caicedo's message is unlikely to impact Brighton's stance, and the South-coast club are reportedly expecting to retain the Ecuador international's services until the summer at the very least.

Caicedo was courted by Manchester United during his time at Independiente del Valle, but Brighton won the race to sign him permanently for a mere €5m (£4.4m) midway through the 2020-21 season.

The 21-year-old has since recorded two goals and three assists in 31 appearances for Brighton in all tournaments, starting 18 Premier League games this season as De Zerbi's men sit sixth in the table.

Caicedo will be expected to start when Brighton host Liverpool in their FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday.

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Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring their second goal on September 4, 2022
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