‘I respect his decision’- De Zerbi speaks on Caicedo’s future

Brighton manager Roberto De Zebi has reiterated his wish to keep Moises Caicedo, but he insists his side can cope without him. 

Caicedo’s future has been the subject of debate all season long, with Arsenal and Chelsea interested in his services. 

The Gunners have already had a £60 million bid by Brighton, who insists Caicedo is not for sale this month. 

Initially, Caicedo also expressed his wish to stay at Brighton, saying he prefers a club that will give him the chance to play every week. 

However, following Arsenal’s bid, Caicedo reneged on his statement, releasing a new statement. The 21-year-old urged The Seagulls to accept Arsenal’s bid, which is a record fee for the club. 

Nonetheless, De Zerbi hopes Caicedo stays beyond this month, even though he is also prepared to do without him. 

“I would like Moises to finish the season with us, but we are ready to go forward without him,” De Zerbi said after his side beat Liverpool in the FA Cup. 

“I respect his decision — I can’t be also the chairman, so we will see in the next days,” he added. 

Caicedo joined Brighton in 2021, signing a four-year deal with the club. The 21-year-old’s deal expires in 2025. 

Should Caicedo leave Brighton this month for Arsenal, he will be the second Seagulls player to join the Gunners after Leandro Trossard. 

Nonetheless, the saga will definitely come to an end on January 31, when the transfer window shuts.