Moises Caicedo: Brighton Star Releases Emotional Statement Over Future As Arsenal, Chelsea Ponder Move

• Moises Caicedo has confirmed his willingness to leave Brighton before the transfer window lapses
• Roberto De Zerbi's side have held firm as they seek to hold on to the midfielder until the end of the season
• Arsenal had their first bid rejected with Chelsea also expected to table a bid for the 21-year-old

The stage is now set for Arsenal and Chelsea to get into a serious bidding war for Moises Caicedo's signature. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder released a statement indicating his desire to try a new challenge.

Caicedo's rise in the Premier League has been meteoric and he has always been linked with a transfer to a top-six side. Liverpool are also interested.

David Ornstein reports that Brighton rejected a 55 million euro bid from Arsenal on Friday. Chelsea's interest is set to work in Brighton's favour as the two clubs could get into a war that could see the Seagulls reap handsomely.

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Brighton's stance on Caicedo

Brighton Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi expressed his desire to see the Ecuador international stay in the South Coast until at least the end of the season. However, judging by Caicedo's latest social media activity, he wants to leave now.

"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 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."

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Caicedo's role

Caicedo is an energetic box-to-box midfielder who could be the perfect cover for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey at Arsenal. Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to impress in a Gunners shirt while Mohamed Elneny is out with a long-term injury.

At Chelsea, he could be the heir apparent of N'Golo Kante who despite being one of the best midfielders ever, has struggled with injuries this season. The Frenchman is yet to play a minute under Potter and his contract is up in the summer.

Should Chelsea land Caicedo, he would be reunited with Graham Potter and Marc Cucurella.

Declan Rice transfer

Sports Brief has also reported that another transfer battle could now be set to happen again between the two rivals after it emerged that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is favouring a move to Arsenal despite Chelsea also having an interest in him

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Rice was a former Chelsea academy player until he was released at the age of 14. He has excelled at West Ham and already is attracting interest including a return to Stamford Bridge.