Moises Caicedo has insisted it was not a difficult decision to commit his future to Brighton despite publicly requesting a move to Arsenal in January.

The Seagulls tied their star midfielder down to a new long-term contract this week following a month of transfer speculation, in which the Gunners made a number of bids topping £70million.

Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked with Caicedo, whose new deal does not contain a release clause with the 21-year-old promising to shut out any speculation over his future.

“It wasn’t a hard decision,” he told the Brighton website.

“If it had been a hard decision, I wouldn’t have signed. I’m happy with everything at the club and that’s why I signed.

“I’m focused here on Brighton, the club which opened the doors. I am very happy to be here and really pleased [with the new contract].

“I don’t even think about the speculation. I am focused on Brighton and doing things well here.

“I am very happy here with my colleagues, with all the club and I will keep giving 100 per cent for this club.”