In-demand Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo has set tongues wagging across England late on Friday night.
The name of Ecuadorian international Caicedo has of course found its place front and centre in the media headlines across the week to date.
This comes after confirmation was forthcoming that, amid long-standing interest in his services on the part of Chelsea, fellow capital giants Arsenal had too joined the hunt for the midfielder’s signature.
In fact, the Premier League table-toppers went as far as to table an opening offer for Caicedo, coming in around the £60 mark.
The powers that be at Brighton, for their part, opted to swiftly reject the Gunners’ proposal, without so much as a 2nd thought.
Brighton & Hove have rejected a bid of £60m fixed from Arsenal for Moises Caicedo. #AFC targeting Ecuador int’l to strengthen midfield + interest remains, despite #BHAFC insisting 21yo is not for sale. W/ @gunnerblog @TheAthleticFC after @FabrizioRomano https://t.co/8H1EuPImAT
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 27, 2023
As alluded to above, though, late on Friday night, the Seagulls brass have seen their hopes of keeping hold of Caicedo for the 2nd half of the term dealt an altogether considerable blow.
In what can only be considered a ‘come and get me’ plea to his heavyweight suitors, Caicedo has confirmed his intention to move on this month, ‘to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton’:
“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.
“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.
“I hope fans they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity”.
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