Brighton star Moises Caicedo appears to have bid farewell to the Seagulls with a cryptic message on Instagram.
The midfielder was the subject of a £60million bid on Friday, but that was turned down by the south coast side. It now appears that the Ecuador international may be trying to force through an exit by bidding farewell to the club on social media.
He thanked the Seagulls and owner Tony Bloom for handing him his chance in the Premier League. However, he insisted that the time is right for him to move on, bringing in a club-record sale for Brighton in the process.
"I am grateful to Mr. 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," he wrote.
"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.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Brighton allow Moises Caicedo to leave? Comment below.
Caicedo had been due to feature for Brighton as they host Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Whether he plays in that game is heavily in doubt after he publicly issued his come and get me plea.
After Arsenal submitted their bid for the 21-year-old, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi insisted he wanted to see the midfielder remain at the club for the rest of the season.
"I spoke with him on Wednesday and he is relaxed. I think it's always difficult to change clubs inside the season as you can find some problems," De Zerbi said.
"I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because in my opinion that is the best solution for him and for us. I spoke with him like a father, not as a coach.
"I understand it when a player has the possibility to change teams and go to a very big club, but my work is to not only give the style of play but also to give advice for his career and his life."
All signs point to Arsenal winning the race to sign him, despite De Zerbi's wishes that he stay. The Gunners are keen to boost their squad amid their Premier League title challenge.
