Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi claims that in-demand duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister “deserve to play in another level”.
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has claimed that Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister “deserve to play in another level”.
Both players have been instrumental to the Seagulls securing European football for the 2023-24 campaign, with the club almost certain to finish sixth in the Premier League table.
Caicedo was heavily linked with a move away from the Amex in January, with Arsenal believed to have failed with at least one offer for the Ecuador international.
The Gunners are said to remain interested in the midfielder, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool also continue to be linked with his services ahead of the upcoming market.
Mac Allister’s future is also the subject of much speculation, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City thought to be competing for the World Cup winner.
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De Zerbi has admitted that Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Man City could prove to be the duo’s final home games in a Brighton short due to the ongoing speculation.
The Italian has said that both players “deserve to play in another level”, but he is hopeful that securing European football for next season could help Brighton keep them.
“It can be the last game but I don’t know. They can have the possibility to change [clubs] because they deserve to play in another level,” De Zerbi told reporters.
“I don’t know what Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner] can decide. But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more.”
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Caicedo has featured on 41 occasions for the Seagulls this season, scoring once and providing one assist, and he has another four years left to run on his contract, with the option of an additional 12 months.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, has scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 38 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season.
The Argentina international’s contract is due to expire in June 2025, although the Seagulls have the option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months to protect his value.
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has played down suggestions that Mac Allister could leave the Amex during this summer’s transfer window.
The Seagulls, who will end their season against Aston Villa on Sunday, would be certain of a spot in next season’s Europa League if they pick up a point in Wednesday’s home game against Man City.
