De Zerbi tells Caicedo to stay at Brighton amid Arsenal interest
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De Zerbi tells Caicedo to stay at Brighton amid Arsenal interest
London (AFP) – Roberto De Zerbi has urged Moises Caicedo to stay at Brighton amid reports of a £60 million ($74 million) bid for the Ecuador midfielder from Arsenal.
The Premier League leaders are keen to sign Caicedo to bolster their midfield options after Egypt s Mohamed Elneny suffered an injury that could sideline him for several weeks.
Brighton boss De Zerbi is determined to keep the 21-year-old at least until the end of the season, but Arsenal are believed to be pondering an improved bid.
Caicedo is also a reported target for Chelsea, however De Zerbi insists the player s best interests lie in staying with Brighton.
"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 is under contract with Brighton until 2025 and De Zerbi claimed he had given the youngster a fatherly chat about his future.
"He is relaxed. He s a good guy. I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach. Because I understand when one player has the possibility to change team and go to a very big team," he said.
"I understand. My work is to give the style of play, but to give also advice for his career, his life."
