Brighton said midfielder Moises Caicedo will be absent from training until Tuesday’s transfer deadline in response to his plea to leave the club.
Caicedo released a post on Instagram to make it appear he wanted to leave on Friday evening, saying he was “proud to be able to bring in Brighton’s record transfer fee”.
Arsenal have already had a £60m bid for the Ecuador international in this window, while Chelsea have also expressed interest in the 21-year-old who has only trained with the Seagulls first team since the summer.
Sky Sports News told Brighton that Arsenal’s Moises Caicedo is categorically not for sale.
Brighton also indicated to Caicedoni that he was not going to leave in this window. They recognized that his head was turned on the matter, and they gave him a few days to get his head the rest of the time.
Caicedo’s social media statement read: “I am grateful to Lord Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel that I have always done my best for them. He always plays with a smile and heart.
“I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor education in Santa Domingo, Ecuador. My dream has always been to be the most decorated player in Ecuadorian history.
“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to renew and help the club continue to be successful.
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Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge provides details of a £60m signing for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
“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 this magnificent opportunity.”
Earlier this week, Caicedo told a Brighton official that he was only focusing on the current club.
Leandro Trossard has already wrapped up a £27m bid for Arsenal in the current transfer window, but Brighton have decided to keep Caicedon.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refused to name the midfielder when asked about him after Friday night’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
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Roberto De Zerbi says he spoke to Moise Caicedo as a father, rather than a coach, and hopes he will stay with Brighton until the end of the season.
Arteta said: “You know I won’t comment on any players until something happens and I will continue like this, I’m sorry.
“As I said before, we have been quite active in the market. We have some needs and if the club is ready, we will try to do it, since it is reasonable and hopefully there is a player who can improve our team.”
