Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi breaks silence on Moises Caicedo's Arsenal transfer plea and says star has made 'mistake'
BRIGHTON boss Roberto De Zerbi spoke out before his side's win over Liverpool after Moises Caicedo tried to force through a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners were told on Saturday that Caicedo, 21, is categorically not for sale this month.
On Friday, Caicedo took to Instagram and publicly asked Brighton to sell him.
That came just hours after Arsenal had an initial bid worth £60million for the midfielder swiftly rejected.
Now, speaking ahead of the FA Cup meeting with Liverpool, De Zerbi said everyone can "make mistakes" as the Italian revealed he is hopeful that Caicedo will stay at the club.
De Zerbi told ITV: "Moises is a good guy.
"We will see tomorrow and the next days what happens.
"We hope he stays with us for the rest of the season, but this is a question for the club and Moises.
"Moises is a good guy. In life you can make mistakes. We will see the best solution for the club, for him and for us."
Fresh reports on Saturday evening claimed Arsenal had submitted a second bid worth £70million for the midfielder.
Caicedo was not in Brighton's matchday squad for Sunday's game against Liverpool.
But after the match, De Zerbi sensationally revealed he was ready to part ways with Caicedo - although Brighton chiefs would still have the final say.
De Zerbi added: "Caicedo is a very, very good guy.
“I can understand him because when you are 21, and you receive the request of a big, big team that are playing in Europe, I can understand.
“I would like that he can finish the season with us but we are ready to go forward without him.
“I think we need some players in some positions.
“I spoke a lot of time with Tony (Bloom) he knows very well my opinion because we are a good team but we can improve also from the transfer market.
“We lost Trossard, if we lose also Caicedo it can be a problem for us. If we want to fight for Europe, or the maximum on the table.
“If we want to stay like this (at our current level), we can. But I don’t like.”
The Ecuador international has featured 21 times in all competitions for the Seagulls this season.
But his Instagram message said: "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.
"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."
