Almost Done What would Caicedo bring to Arsenal? Mikel Arteta ready to bring Moises Caicedo to Emirates Stadium £60m bid for Brighton midfielder but offer is rejected

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Arsenal have had a £60m bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected.

The south-coast club insist Caicedo is not for sale in this January transfer window, but Arsenal remain interested and are deciding whether to go back in with an improved offer.

The Gunners' bid for Caicedo was a guaranteed £60m fee. The biggest transfer fee Brighton have received in their history is the initial £57m plus add-ons from Chelsea for Marc Cucurella last summer.

Chelsea are also interested in the midfielder - who Brighton bought for £4.5m from Independiente del Valle in Ecuador two years ago - but one source has told Sky Sports News a transfer to the Blues in January seems very unlikely as the clubs are "not in the same ball park" regarding valuations.

Speaking on Friday, Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton's head coach, insisted Caicedo was focused on Brighton and urged the 21-year-old to remain at the Amex Stadium until the summer.

"I think he's a good guy," said De Zerbi. "He's focused only on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because, in my opinion, it's the best solution for him and us."

Zerbi added: "I can understand the other big teams want our young players - [Alexis] Mac Allister, Caicedo, [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Solly] March - but the decision is for the players and the club.

"I spoke with him [Caicedo] Wednesday and I told him my opinion. I think it's always difficult to change inside the season because you can find more problems. It is important to stay another four months."

Pressed on his conversation with Caicedo, De Zerbi revealed: "I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach.

"I understand when one player has the possibility to change teams and go to a very big team, but my work is to give the style of play and also advice for his career and his life."

Caicedo has two-and-a-half years left on his contract and is unlikely to sign a new one. As a result, Brighton will be doing due diligence on a potential succession plan.