Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly told Moises Caicedo to stay away from training until after Tuesday's transfer deadline after the midfielder expressed his desire to leave the club.
The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as a star player at the Amex Stadium since making his Premier League debut in February last year, and has subsequently attracted interest from a host of top English clubs.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea were credited with an interest in Caicedo earlier this month, the latter of whom are said to have seen a £55m bid rejected, while Arsenal are the latest club to have joined the race.
Mikel Arteta is keen to reinforce his midfield this month and the Gunners have reportedly seen a £60m offer for the Ecuador international turned down by Brighton.
In response to Arsenal's rejected bid, Caicedo released a statement on his social media platforms on Friday night making it clear that he wants to leave the Seagulls and "take up this magnificent opportunity".
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"I am grateful to Mr. Bloom (club chairman Tony 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," Caicedo posted.
"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."
According to Sky Sports News, Brighton appreciate that Caicedo's head has been turned amid interest in his services, but they have informed the midfielder that he will not be sold this month.
The report adds that Caicedo has been told to stay away from training until after the January transfer window closes next Tuesday in the hope that he returns in the right frame of mind for the remainder of the season.
Caicedo will now miss Brighton's FA Cup fourth-round tie at home against Liverpool on Saturday and may also be a doubt for their next Premier League fixture at home against Bournemouth a week later.
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The Ecuadorian, who is believed to be valued at £100m by Brighton, was bought for just £4.5m from Independiente del Valle two years ago and he is under contract at the Amex Stadium until the summer of 2025.
Last Tuesday, Caicedo revealed on Brighton's official website that his focus was solely on his current club amid speculation about his future, but he now appears to be keen on pushing through a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Speaking after the Gunners' 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat against Manchester City on Friday night, Arteta refused to comment on speculation linking his side with a move for Caicedo.
"You know that I'm not going to comment on any players until anything is done and I will continue like that, sorry," Arteta told reporters.
"As I said before we've been pretty active in the market. We have some necessities and if something is available the club is willing to try to do it, when it's reasonable and hopefully it's a player who can improve our squad."
Caicedo has made a total of 31 appearances across all competitions for Brighton, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Oliver Thomas
