Transfer: Brighton Rejects Arsenal's £60 Million Bid For Moises Caicedo

Arsenal's £60 million bid for Brighton's midfielder Moises Caicedo has been rejected.

Brighton insists that Caicedo won't be sold this January transfer window despite Arsenal's intent to strengthen their squad after Mohamed Elneny picked up an injury in training.

BBC Sport however reports that Arsenal will return with another offer but it remains to be seen whether Caicedo, who recently changed agents, will try to force his way out of the club before the window closes on Tuesday night.

Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton's manager reiterated the position of the Seagulls while speaking on Friday during his pre-match news conference.  

"I think he's a good guy," said De Zerbi. "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 and us.

"I can understand the other big teams want our young players - [Alexis] Mac Allister, Caicedo, [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Solly] March - but the decision is for the players and the club.

"I spoke with him [Caicedo] Wednesday and I told him my opinion.

"I think it's always difficult to change inside the season because you can find more problems. It is important to stay another four months," he added.

When pressed on his conversation with the 21-year-old, De Zerbi said: "I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach.

"I understand when one player has the possibility to change teams and go to a very big team, but my work is to give the style of play and also advice for his career and his life."

Apart from Arsenal, Chelsea have an interest in bringing the teenage midfielder to Stamford Bridge like former team-mate Marc Cucurella.

The Blues reportedly submitted a £55 million bid for the 21-year-old but Brighton turned down their offer.

Caicedo is under a contract until 2025 and has two-and-a-half years left to play for Brighton who currently are in sixth position on the table.