Brighton & Hove Albion have asked Moises Caicedo to remain away from the club until the January window closes.
The move comes after the 21-year-old midfielder publicly pleaded for the south coast club to accept a transfer and allow him to switch to another team.
Arsenal submitted a $74 million bid in an attempt to sign Caicedo from Brighton on Friday.
The offer was a straight fixed fee that did not include any extra add-ons. Brighton, however, immediately rejected the offer and have declared that their star midfielder is not for sale.
The Seagulls previously dismissed a $68 million bid from Chelsea as well.
Caicedo did not attend Brighton team training on Saturday and will also not be in the team to face Liverpool on Sunday. The upcoming matchup is an FA Cup fourth round fixture.
The player pleads with the club to let him leave for a huge fee
Following the rejected Arsenal offer, Caicedo posted on Instagram asking the club to let him leave. “I am grateful to [Brighton owner] Mr. [Tony] Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them,” stated Caicedo.
“I always play football with a smile and with heart. I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
“I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.”
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take this magnificent opportunity.”
Team officials say Caicedo is not for sale
Nevertheless, it appears as if Brighton are not budging. The club has declared that the player is not for sale. Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi also claimed during a press conference on Friday that he hopes Caicedo remains with the club.
“I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season… that’s the best solution for him and for us,” stated De Zerbi.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
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