Football News: Roberto De Zerbi provides update on Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister futures

Roberto De Zerbi, the head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion, has stated that Moises Caicedo and Alex Mac Allister "deserve to play at a higher level."

Both players have helped Brighton secure European football for the 2023-24 season, with the team nearly set to finish sixth in the Premier League table.

Caicedo was widely linked with a move away from the Amex in January, with Arsenal reportedly turning down at least one offer for the Ecuador international.

The Gunners are thought to be interested in the midfielder, while Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also said to be keen ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.

Mac Allister's future is also being discussed, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City all rumoured to be interested in the World Cup champion.

Due to the continuous rumours, De Zerbi has stated that Wednesday's Premier League match against Man City could be the duo's final home games in a Brighton short.

Both players "deserve to play at a higher level," according to the Italian who has done a great job for Brighton this term. However, he also believes that clinching European football for next season will 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."

Caicedo has appeared on 41 occasions for the Seagulls this season, scoring once and assisting once, and he has four years remaining on his contract, with the option of an extra year.

Meanwhile, Mac Allister has 12 goals and three assists in 38 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season.

The contract of the Argentina international is set to expire in June 2025, but the Seagulls have the option to extend it for another 12 months to maintain his worth.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has dismissed speculation that Mac Allister could quit the Amex this summer.

The Seagulls, who finish their season against Aston Villa on Sunday, will be assured of a place in next season's Europa League if they pick up a point against Manchester City at home on Wednesday.

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