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Moises Caicedo 'returns to Brighton training after Arsenal transfer saga'

Caicedo 'returns to Brighton training after Arsenal transfer saga'
© Reuters
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo returns to training with the first-team squad after failing to secure a move away from the club, according to a report.

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo has returned to training with the first-team squad after failing to secure a move away from the club, according to a report.

The 21-year-old attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs in January, including Arsenal who saw two bids of £60m and £70m respectively rejected by the Seagulls.

Mikel Arteta was keen to recruit a new central midfielder before the January transfer window shut on Tuesday night and identified Caicedo as one of his top targets.

After learning of Arsenal's interest last week, Caicedo released a statement on social media expressing his desire to leave the club and "take up this magnificent opportunity".

"I am grateful to Mr. Bloom (club chairman 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. I always play football with a smile and with heart," Caicedo posted.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring their second goal on September 4, 2022© Reuters

"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 up this magnificent opportunity."

Following his statement, Brighton allegedly told Caicedo – who was also linked with Liverpool and Chelsea – to stay away from first-team training until after the January window closed.

There were reports indicating that Arsenal were considering tabling a third bid for Caicedo, which would likely exceed the club-record £72m that they spent on Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

However, Brighton made it clear that the Ecuador international was not for sale in January and the Seagulls have successfully managed to retain the services of their star midfielder.

Ecuador and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo pictured in November 2022© Reuters

According to Sky Sports News, Caicedo returned to training with Roberto De Zerbi's first-team squad on Wednesday morning.

It remains to be seen whether Caicedo, who has started 18 Premier League games for Brighton this season, will be involved in Saturday's home clash against Bournemouth, while it is also unknown as to whether the youngster is in the right frame of mind after failing to secure a move away from the club.

After missing out on Caicedo, Arsenal opted to move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who has joined Arteta's side on an 18-month contract for a fee in the region of £12m.

However, it is thought that the Gunners will consider reigniting their interest in Caicedo this summer, while they are also said to hold an interest in West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

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Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo celebrates scoring their second goal on September 4, 2022
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3Liverpool372310484414379
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5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
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