Brighton insists the midfielder is not for sale but Arsenal are expected to test their resolve in the coming days.
Arsenal is set to make an improved offer for Moises Caicedo after Brighton rejected an opening offer of £60 million.
As reported by newsmen earlier this week, Arsenal has identified Caicedo as their top midfield target this month and Mikel Arteta’s side are now pushing to complete a deal.
Brighton’s public position is that the 21-year-old is not for sale but Arsenal are expected to test their resolve before the transfer window closes next week.
Arsenal is eager to strengthen in midfield following an injury to Mohamed Elneny, and Caicedo has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young players.
Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton head coach, has urged Caicedo to wait until the summer before leaving the club.
“He is a good guy, he is focused only on Brighton,” said De Zerbi. “I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season, because my opinion is that this is the best solution for both him and us.
“I spoke with Moises on Wednesday and I told him my opinion. It’s always difficult to change in the season because you can find some problems. For our way, it’s important for him to stay for another four months.
“I spoke with him like a father, not like a coach. I am not an egoist, I understand the possibility to change team and go to a very big team. But my work is to give the style of play and advice for his career, for his life.”
Arsenal has already signed one player from Brighton this month, having completed a $ 2 million dear for Learndro Trossard. In the summer of 2021, they signed Ben White from Brighton for a fee of £ 50 million.
Brighton has no financial need to cash in on Caicedo after selling Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for £60million at the start of the season. They also sold Yves Bissouma to Spurs in a deal worth an initial £25million, while Neal Maupay joined Everton for £15m.
Arsenal has a long-term plan to boost their midfield options, with support required for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice is understood to be their top target for the summer window.
Caicedo said earlier this week that he has not been distracted by speculation over his future. He told Brighton’s club website: “I am focused on Brighton. I am here, I am playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I’m focused only on here.
“I handle [the speculation] well. You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week.”