Arsenal ‘submit £70m second transfer offer for Moises Caicedo but find Brighton refuse to sell star midfielder’

ARSENAL have reportedly made a second offer worth £70million to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

However, the Gulls are understood to stand by their decision not to sell the 21-year-old Ecuadorian.

1

Caicedo released a statement on Friday night urging Brighton to accept the Gunners’ initial offer of £60million.

Chelsea had also previously seen a £55million offer rejected by the south coast outfit.

However, Brighton responded to Caicedo’s request by telling him to stay away from training until the January transfer window closes on Tuesday.

He was also told he would not feature in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Liverpool.

Now Arsenal have returned with a second offer consisting of £60m plus £10m in add-ons, according to The Mail.

It comes after Thomas Partey was substituted at half-time in the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat by Man City in the FA Cup on Friday.

However, it is claimed that Brighton can withstand £80million before they allow Caicedo to leave this month.

The young midfielder, who has been a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season, fears he will be out of demand in the summer when Arsenal and Chelsea turn their attention to West Ham captain Declan Rice.

BETTING SPECIAL – THE BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK

So he took to Instagram on Friday to convince Brighton to allow him his move.

He wrote: “I’m grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to get into the Premier League and I feel like I’ve 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 background in Santa Domingo, Ecuador.

“My dream is to always be the most successful player in Ecuador’s history.

“I’m proud to be able to bring Brighton a record transfer fee which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to thrive.

“The fans have taken me to their hearts and they will always be in my heart, so I hope they understand why I want to take this great opportunity.”

Brighton sit sixth in the Premier League table and are in contention for a European spot.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad to maintain their title challenge.

And Chelsea continue to pounce on a host of players who have already splashed nearly £200m in the January window.