Moises Caicedo released a surprise statement on Friday evening (Picture: Getty)
Chris Sutton has slammed Arsenal target Moises Caicedo and has labelled the Brighton star’s behaviour as ‘downright stupid’.
Arsenal are preparing a £75m offer for Ecuador international midfielder Caicedo before the January transfer window closes on Tuesday, according to reports, in what is their third approach for the player.
In a surprise statement on Friday evening, Caicedo made it clear to Brighton that he wants to join the Gunners.
‘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,’ he said in a statement.
‘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.’
Sutton has now offered his opinion on the transfer saga as he told the Daily Mail: ‘Moises Caicedo is either being very badly advised or he’s an idiot.
‘That social media post was downright stupid. He’s seen what Leandro Trossard did to get to Arsenal and he’s copying him.
‘But Brighton have every right to be standing firm on their £80m valuation.’
Arsenal have already had two bids rejected for Caicedo, the most recent of which was £65m plus an additional £5m in add-ons.
The north London club have made him their priority target in the closing stages of the January transfer window and their need to recruit a new central midfielder has been heightened following the injury to Mohamed Elneny.
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, has already brought in fellow Seagulls star Leandro Trossard in a £27m deal.
Arsenal also signed Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior for £20m as he arrived from Italian side Spezia.
The Gunners are attempting to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 and are currently five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand at the top of the table.
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‘[He is] either being very badly advised or he’s an idiot!’
