Moises Caicedo has told Brighton that he wants to “take up this magnificent opportunity” to join Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Arsenal reportedly made a £60million bid to sign the Ecuadorian on Friday, as first revealed by Fabrizio Romano.
The bid was instantly rejected by the Seagulls, who reportedly want at least £75m for Caicedo.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants some more depth in midfield and seems eager to sign the 21-year-old.
Their London rivals Chelsea also made a bid to sign Caicedo, though it was £5m less than the Gunners’.
In what is the biggest come-and-get-me plea you will see this month, Caicedo has urged Arsenal, or possibly even Chelsea, to sign him.
“I am grateful to Mr. [Tony] 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,” Caicedo wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Caicedo has been absolutely fantastic for the Seagulls since making his debut for the south coast club against the Gunners in April 2022.
Ironically, Caicedo said earlier this week that he is entirely focused on the current season with Brighton.
This could perhaps debunk my theory that he has told Chelsea to sign him as he has waited until Arsenal’s offer become common knowledge to say he wants a transfer.
“I am focussed on Brighton,” the Ecuador midfielder said on Tuesday.
“I am here, I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I’m focussed only on here.
“I handle [the speculation] well. You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week.”
Caicedo has also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United, though neither of those teams are not expected to join the race to sign him before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
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