Caicedo makes public plea to Brighton for Arsenal move

Moises Caicedo has pleaded with Brighton to accept a club
record transfer fee amid interest from Arsenal in the midfielder.

The Premier League leaders have reportedly seen a £60
million ($74 million) bid turned down for the Ecuadorian international.

“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,” Caicedo tweeted on Friday.

“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.”

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is determined to keep the
21-year-old at least until the end of the season.

“He’s a good guy. He’s focused only on Brighton. I hope
he can stay with us until the end of the season because in my opinion, it’s the
best solution for him, for us,” De Zerbi told reporters on Friday.

“I spoke with him Wednesday and I told him my opinion.
I think it’s always difficult to change during a season. For our way, it’s
important for him to stay another four months with us.”

Brighton have already sold Belgium forward Leandro Trossard
to Arsenal for £27 million during the current January transfer window.

Caicedo, who has also been linked to a reunion with former
coach Graham Potter at Chelsea, is under contract with Brighton until 2025.

“He is relaxed. He’s a good guy. I spoke with him like
a father, not like a coach,” added De Zerbi.

“I understand when one player has the possibility to
change team and go to a very big team.

“I understand. My work is to give the style of play,
but to give also advice for his career, his life.”

Brighton face Liverpool at home in the FA Cup fourth round
on Sunday.