Brighton coach makes a hint that Moises Caicedo is joining Arsenal

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in the January transfer window, and have already had one bid rejected. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has been a regular starter for the Seagulls this season.

Brighton coach De Zerbi was asked whether he expects Caicedo to stay at the club beyond January, and he responded: “I don’t expect nothing. Tony Bloom knows very well my opinion. In terms of transfer market I told him we needed some player in some position. I’m not chairman, I’m only the coach.”

De Zerbi went on to say that while he would like Caicedo to stay at Brighton until the end of the season, they are prepared to go forward without him if he leaves: “I would like him to finish the season with us, but we are ready to go forward without him. I love him, I respect his decision. I would like if he can stay till end of season. But we will see in the next days” said the Brighton boss per BBC.

The above statement by the Brighton & Hove Albion coach will give hope to Arsenal supporters as they believe this is a hint from De Zerbi that Moises Caicedo will join Arsenal as he never outright claimed that the player would stay.

The Gunners are reportedly willing to pay around £60 million for Caicedo, who is seen as an outstanding midfielder that would improve their side for years to come. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield options and sees Caicedo as a long-term solution in that area of the pitch.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be successful in their pursuit of Caicedo this month or if Brighton will be able to hold onto their prized asset until at least the end of the season.