Arsenal made a £60 million offer for midfielder Moises Caicedo, but Brighton declined.
The Premier League's top team is eager to bolster its roster after Mohamed Elneny suffered a training-related injury that could require a protracted recovery.
Arsenal already has a small roster, and manager Mikel Arteta does not want to let a lack of players jeopardize his team's title chances.
According to reports, Brighton had previously rejected a £55 million offer from Chelsea for Caicedo, a 21-year-old player.
In the summer, the Seagulls sold Marc Cucurella to Chelsea for £60 million, Yves Bissouma to Tottenham for £25 million plus add-ons, and Neal Maupay to Everton for £15 million.
Leandro Trossard left them earlier this month to join Arsenal for an initial £21 million, so Brighton do not have a financial incentive to sell Caicedo.
They don't want to sell the Ecuadorian international either, despite the fact that they are currently sixth in the standings and could move up to fifth if they win their two games left against Tottenham.
Caicedo has made 26 Premier League appearances, scoring twice, and is under contract until 2025.
However, negotiations are still ongoing, and it's anticipated that Arsenal will make a counteroffer. It's unclear, though, if Caicedo, who recently switched agents, will attempt to leave the club before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.
At a news conference on Friday, Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi stated that the midfielder was "relaxed" and "focused only on Brighton.". ".
I had a conversation with him like a father, not like a coach, the Italian said.
"I hope he can stick around until the end of the season because in my opinion, that's the best course of action for both him and us. ".
Caicedo recently declared, "I'm focused on Brighton. "I am here, and I play every day. I don't worry about things outside, nor does it divert my attention from this because I am only here.
"I manage [the rumor] well. You occasionally hear rumors, but I only try to concentrate on the club.
. "
