Brighton star Moises Caicedo posts bizarre statement on Instagram

Moises Caicedo has appeared to post a goodbye to Brighton fans.

The midfielder has the been subject of bids from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in this transfer window, with a £60million offer from the Blues the latest bid tabled.

While it is understood Brighton are keen for the 21-year-old to stay at the club, an obscure message was shared on his Instagram account on Friday evening.

It read: ‘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 the youngest of 10 siblings form 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.’

It’s understood that Brighton laughed off Arsenal’s bid of £55million earlier this window, before rejecting Chelsea’s recent offer.

Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi has insisted Caicedo ‘is focused only on Brighton’ despite transfer interest from Arsenal and Chelsea

The 21-year-old has not ruled out putting in a transfer request to try and force through a move

The Seagulls want £80million for Caicedo if they are to let him leave this transfer window.

The player however is concerned he may not get the chance to join Arsenal or Chelsea in the summer, with the clubs set to go head-to-head for West Ham captain Declan Rice at the end of the season.

Sportsmail understands Caicedo has not ruled out putting in a transfer request to force a move, but Brighton are under no pressure to sell having allowed Leandro Trossard to join Arsenal for £21million last week.

Caicedo, who has 28 caps for his country, is under contract until 2025. He joined Brighton in 2021 for £4.5m from Independiente del Valle in his homeland.

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, meanwhile, said of Caicedo: ‘I think he is a good guy, he is only focused on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season. In my opinion, that is the best solution for him and us.’