De Zerbi reveals Caicedo's reaction to 'father and son' chat over his future amid Arsenal interest

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the details of a conversation he had with Moises Caicedo regarding his future, amid interest from Arsenal.

The Ecuador international has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this winter, having sparkled for the Seagulls since joining the club from Independiente del Valle in 2021.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal submitted a bid of £60million for the 21-year old on Friday morning.

However, The Atheltic's David Ornstein claimed that it was promptly rejected, with Brighton thought to want £100million for the player, as per The Times.

In his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Brighton's FA Cup clash with Liverpool, De Zerbi shared the details of a conversation he had with Caicedo, in which he spoke to him like a 'father'.

"It is important for him to stay"

When asked about the speculation surrounding a transfer, De Zerbi responded: "He is a good guy. He is focused only on Brighton.

"I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because, in my opinion, it is the best solution for him and for us. I can understand the other big teams want our young players, [Alexis] Mac Allister, Caicedo, [Kaoru] Mitoma, Solly March.

"I spoke with him [Caicedo] on Wednesday and I told him my opinion. For our way, it is important fro him to stay another 4 months."

When asked how the midfielder responded, De Zerbi jokingly replied "you want to know too much", before adding: "He is relaxed and I spoke with him like a father.

"Not like a coach because I understand when one player has the possibility to change and go to a very big team.

"I understand but my work is to give the style of play but also give advice for his career and his life."

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Caicedo has insisted he is happy to remain at Brighton. Speaking to the club website, Caicedo said: "I am focused on Brighton. I am here. I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me nor does it take that focus away because I’m focused only on here.

“I handle (the speculation) well. You hear rumours here and there but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week.”