Roberto De Zerbi has issued a defining message for Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister after Brighton's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the final day of the season. It didn't change anything for the Seagulls having already confirmed their spot in the Europa League next season but did pose as a farewell for some of their stars.
Heading into the summer a number of players are expected to leave the south coast with Mac Allister, Caicedo and Kaoru Mitomo amongst the most in-demand. Evan Ferguson is another with admirers across the league after his fine breakthrough season, Julio Enciso has wowed viewers in recent weeks with his performances as well.
For Arsenal, it is notable that De Zerbi has finally started to speak openly about the prospect of losing his two midfield keystones after both players have been at the centre of mass transfer speculation. It was only in January that Caicedo effectively handed in a request to leave after bids from the Gunners.
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It is he that is garnering plenty of interest despite signing a deal until 2027 just weeks after the winter window. Now, with Chelsea and Arsenal both keen to make key additions in the centre of the park, his future is under the spotlight once more.
Earlier in the month De Zerbi admitted that the match against Manchester City may well be the final one at the Amex Stadium for the pair, saying: "It can be the last game but I don't know. They can have the possibility to change [clubs] because they deserve to play in another level.
"I don't know what Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner] can decide. But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more."
He has since gone further, almost relinquishing the chances of them remaining past this summer. “I think it can be the last game for Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo at Brighton," he said after the defeat at Villa Park.
“I am really sorry because they are two great players but the policy of Brighton is like this. It is right that they can leave, to play at higher level."
Arsenal have already benefited from Brighton's willingness to sell their top talent for the right price in recent years. Two years ago they picked up Ben White for £50 before securing Leandro Trossard mid-way through this season for £28m Both players have played key parts in the progression under Arteta in a short space of time.
Midfield is the priority for the next window, though, and De Zerbi's latest comments have now given even extra incentive to go back into the market for their top targets.
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