In a candid press conference, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has openly admitted that one of his star players is determined to leave the club this summer to join Arsenal — and he has accepted that there is little he can do to alter the situation.
Although De Zerbi initially refrained from naming the player directly, widespread reports from reliable insiders strongly indicate that the individual in question is Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo.
“I did everything I could to persuade him to stay,” De Zerbi confessed.
“We sat down and spoke on several occasions, and I made it clear how valuable he is to our project.
But sometimes, when a player has set his mind on leaving, it’s nearly impossible to convince him otherwise.”
Caicedo has been on Arsenal’s radar for quite some time.
The Gunners made a determined attempt to sign him during the January transfer window in 2023, but Brighton resisted all advances at the time.
Now, it appears Arsenal are preparing a fresh approach to finally bring the dynamic midfielder to North London.
With Caicedo reportedly eager to play under Mikel Arteta, the chances of a successful deal this time around seem higher than ever.
Speaking further, De Zerbi praised Caicedo’s character and professionalism.
“He’s not just a fantastic player — he’s also a wonderful person. If his next chapter is with Arsenal, I can only wish him well.
Naturally, I would prefer to keep him here at Brighton, but I completely respect his ambitions and dreams.”
Should the transfer go through, Caicedo’s arrival would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s midfield as Arteta seeks to construct a team capable of competing both domestically in the Premier League and on the European stage in the Champions League.
Caicedo’s energy, tactical intelligence, and tenacity would make him a perfect addition alongside midfield stars like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that personal terms between Caicedo and Arsenal have already been agreed upon, paving the way for an official announcement potentially as early as June.
De Zerbi’s public admission has only added more momentum to what was already a heated transfer saga, and it now seems increasingly likely that Arsenal supporters will see Moisés Caicedo donning the famous red and white kit at the Emirates Stadium next season.
