Negotiating the transfer market can be tricky at the best of times. Some people come out the other end with all their dreams come true, while others are left ruing what could have been.
Moises Caicedo is set to be in the latter camp, and the Brighton midfielder may have to do some serious schmoozing now until the end of the season to make things up with his teammates, bosses and the Seagulls fans.
Caicedo has found himself at the centre of arguably the window's transfer saga, with Premier League table-toppers Arsenal making it clear from the offset that they were desperate to snap up the 21-year-old.
The Gunners initially launched a £55million bid for the Ecuadorian, which was quickly rebuked by Brighton. Arsenal followed this up with an offer worth up to £70m, but this was also rejected.
There was speculation that Arsenal would make a third and final bid for Caicedo worth £75m, which would have been a club-record amount for a Gunners signing, but an offer never materialised and Mikel Arteta and co. stood down.
Brighton were always clear that they had no intention of selling Caicedo this window, especially as midfielder Leandro Trossard was already allowed to leave for the Gunners.
The Caicedo scenario is typical of any big transfer saga over the years, except one component makes it stand out.
Caicedo took to social media four days ago to post an update on his situation, in which he apparently said goodbye to his Brighton teammates and fans, and suggested he was definitely joining Arsenal.
His post read: "I am grateful to 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. 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 [was] 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."
Since the post and Arsenal's two failed attempts to sign him, the Gunners have turned their attention to Chelsea star Jorginho and appear certain to land the Italian.
Chelsea have accepted the Gunners' £12m bid for the midfielder and the transfer is expected to take place before the window closes at 11pm.
Caicedo, meanwhile, has been silent on social media since his update on Friday, suggesting he was waiting in the wings to complete his big-money move to the Emirates.
He is yet to react to Arsenal giving up on trying to sign him and turning their attention to an alternative option, and is likely disappointed with how the saga has played out.
The midfielder is no doubt aware now that he will remain a Brighton player at least until the end of this season but has so far opted against speaking out and clarifying his post or removing it from social media.
