07 February 2023 , 10:32
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Brighton captain Lewis Dunk has reaffirmed the club's intentions to “stick with” former Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target Moises Caicedo having hailed the Seagulls for “standing their ground” over his future.
The Ecuadorian midfielder was one of the most prominent names across the gossip columns over the final few days of the January transfer window. Arsenal and Chelsea were strongly linked with moves for his signature, the Gunners having seen two bids rejected for his services.
Caicedo attempted to take matters into his own hands with a statement issued on social media demanding that Brighton let him go. He was then told to stay away from the club’s training ground until after the January window was closed.
With the market shutting, Caicedo remained as a Brighton player and was given a rapturous reception by the Seagulls faithful on his return during the weekend’s late victory over Bournemouth. Captain Dunk has revealed that he and his teammates are rallying around the 21-year-old after what was a “difficult situation”, whilst he also praised the club for remaining stubborn over keeping one of their key players.
Speaking with talkSPORT, the defender said: “Obviously it was a difficult situation for him [Caicedo] and these things happen in football. It's not the first and won't be the last time players at a football club have this going on over their head.
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“He's a young boy and we stick with him,” Dunk added. “He's a great lad and obviously a fantastic player. Who knows how long we'll have him for and we're grateful to have him for at least the rest of the season and hopefully for longer.
Moises Caicedo made his Brighton return at the weekend (Getty Images)Where do you think Brighton will finish this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I think it's a massive statement from the club, standing their ground. Obviously we've sold players over the years to bigger clubs but I think it's a great statement to show that we want to keep him and I think rightly so.”
Caicedo and Dunk will no doubt be trying to play a key part for Brighton this season as they attempt to secure what would be their best-ever Premier League finish. The Seagulls currently sit sixth under Roberto de Zerbi - five points behind five-placed Tottenham albeit with two games in-hand.
The Seagulls boss has hailed the Brighton supporters for the way that they received Caicedo on his return last weekend. “For Moises, I’m really happy about the answer of our fans,” he said.
“I think together we are stronger – with Moises and with our fans, with their support.”
Brighton are next back in action on Saturday as they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions. Brighton have only fallen to defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League since domestic football resumed after the World Cup.