"His head was turned..." - CEO admits player wanted to join Arsenal in January

Brighton's CEO Paul Barber revealed Moises Caicedo was tempted to join Premier League leaders Arsenal in January.

Caicedo was at the centre of an epic transfer saga, in which the 21-year-old went public with his desire to leave the Amex in an attempt to force a move away.

Mikel Arteta saw two bids rejected for the Ecuador international, with the second reportedly worth up to £70 million.

However, as the drama subsided, Caicedo signed a fresh contract at Brighton, keeping him on the south coast until 2027.

"His head was turned"

Barber has since lifted the lid on the player's feelings, admitting his "head was turned" by the Gunners' pursuit.

“Moises, to his absolute credit, has got his head down, worked hard and he is happy around the club again. He is a very good footballer,” Barber told talkSPORT.

“There was never a moment in the window when we felt we needed or wanted to sell Moises.”

“He is only 20. He needed an arm around the shoulder and a bit of support. We know his head was turned, and we know why,” added Barber.

Mac Allister to Man Utd?

He's not the only midfielder Roberto de Zerbi will be keen to tie down to a new deal.

Argentina's World Cup star Alexis Mac Allister has been the subject of interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

Respected journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that United have 'held internal discussions' over a potential summer move for the 24-year-old.

Jacobs stated that United would have to pay a reported £60million to land the midfielder.

He told Caught Offside: “Although Brighton don’t directly offer quotes to suitors for players they don’t plan to sell, insiders suggest £60m+ is what the Seagulls may expect.

"That’s quite a lot more than the numbers suitors have him valued at dating back to both January and before the World Cup, with valuations ranging from £27-35m. I think that type of bid now would get laughed out the room."