Brighton tell Caicedo to take time off

Brighton have told midfielder Moises Caicedo to take time off until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The move comes amid uncertainty over the 21-year-old’s future after he told them he wanted to be allowed to leave after bids from Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Seagulls remain insistent that they do not want to sell Caicedo this month and that the player is not for sale.

The decision means the Ecuador international will miss today’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Liverpool.

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Brighton feel it is in no-one’s interests for Caicedo to be around the club at present, but still expect him to be with them for the remainder of the season.

Caicedo has made 26 appearances for the south coast club in the Premier League, scoring twice, and is under contract until 2025.

Brighton have turned down a £60m bid from Premier League leaders Arsenal for him, and also reportedly rejected an earlier £55m offer by Chelsea.

In direct communication with the Gunners, the Seagulls have reiterated that Caicedo is not for sale.

However, the player has confirmed he wanted to leave the Sussex club in an open letter posted on Instagram on Friday.