Roberto De Zerbi says Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is ‘relaxed’ about his future despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Caicedo has been subject of interest from Premier League rivals with Brighton understood to have turned down approaches from both Arsenal and Chelsea. The Gunners have submitted an official offer worth £60m for the Ecuador international, which has since been rejected.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool, De Zerbi discussed the transfer market and whether he expects incomings or outgoings at the Amex Stadium.
“I don’t expect anything,” De Zerbi told his pre-match press conference.
“I’m used to speaking about the transfer market. I think if we stay like this I’m happy, but I haven’t had any news on the transfer market.”
De Zerbi was questioned on Caicedo’s future at the club and reiterated his hope that the 21-year-old remains with the Seagulls until the end of the season.
The Italian admits he understands rival interest in his squad and revealed he has held talks with Caicedo this week to discuss his future.
“I think he is a good guy, he is only focused on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season. My opinion is that is the best solution for him and us.
🗣 "How did he respond to what you said?"
De Zerbi 🗣 "He want to know too much. I spoke with him like a father."
Roberto De Zerbi responds to the news that Arsenal have made a £60m bid for Moisés Caicedo pic.twitter.com/f0ySaC9asu
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 27, 2023
“I can understand big clubs want our young players like [Alexis] Mac Allister, [Kaoru] Mitoma, Caicedo, Solly March, but the decision is only between the player and club.
“I spoke to [Caicedo] on Wednesday and told him my opinion, it is difficult to change teams in the season. You can find more problems. It is important for him to stay another four months with us.”
De Zerbi insists that the in-demand midfielder is ‘relaxed’ about his situation and said he provided Caicedo with the advice of a ‘father’ during discussions.
“He’s relaxed. I spoke to him like a father, not a coach,” he said. “I understand when a player has a possibility to change team and go to a big team, [it is a big moment]. My work is to give the style of play, but also advice on his career and life.
“I have to repeat. The problem is never selling, but who you want to buy. You can improve if a big player leaves; we have to know our level. Together we want to improve. Interest in our players is good for us.”
