Brighton rebel Moises Caicedo returns to training for the first time since posting his controversial statement asking to leave for Arsenal… and he’s in contention to face Bournemouth this weekend
- Moises Caicedo begun his re-integration into Brighton’s squad on Wednesday
- Caicedo asked Brighton on social media to grant him his £70m move to Arsenal
- He is back training with the Seagulls and could face Bournemouth on Saturday
Brighton rebel Moises Caicedo begun his re-integration into the squad on Wednesday after the club kept their vow to head coach Roberto De Zerbi to keep him from Arsenal’s clutches.
The Gunners failed with two offers, the second worth £70million, to sign the Ecuador international this month with Brighton adamant he was not for sale.
Sportsmail revealed last Friday that Caicedo was desperate to force through a move to Arsenal or Chelsea – who were also interested – before Tuesday’s deadline and was prepared to agitate to get his wish.
Indeed, the 21-year-old posted a controversial statement on his social media channels asking for Brighton to grant him his move.
Furthermore, he did not train between Saturday and Tuesday and missed Sunday’s FA Cup win over Liverpool – though Brighton are adamant it was their decision to allow the player time off.
Moises Caicedo started his re-integration into Brighton’s first-team squad on Wednesday
But Caicedo made his return to training on Wednesday and could now be in contention to play against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The fact the midfielder has remained at the Amex will be viewed as a victory for the club and De Zerbi.
The Italian manager appeared to open the door to Caicedo’s exit on Sunday saying the team were ready to move on without him.
However, in private, it is understood De Zerbi made clear how important Caicedo is to his team and reinforced the importance of keeping him.
De Zerbi’s stock is growing rapidly, indeed he is understood to be on Juventus’ radar as they ponder the future of Max Allegri.
And there was a sense at Brighton that they wanted to prove to De Zerbi that they are fully invested into his vision by keeping Caicedo at the club until at least the end of the season.
Caicedo asked Brighton on social media to grant…