Arsenal and Chelsea transfer news: All the latest talks on Moises Caicedo’s future with Brighton amid links to the Gunners and Blues
The future of Brighton star Moises Caicedo continues to dominate headlines during the January transfer window, with Arsenal and Chelsea heavily linked.
Caicedo has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the last 12 months, generating a lot of interest from both London clubs, who are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next week’s transfer deadline. Current Blues boss Graham Potter managed the Ecuadorian during his time at the Amex Stadium and the Londoners are keen to reunite the pair at Stamford Bridge as Todd Boehly continues his squad overhaul.
Meanwhile, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is also interested in bringing the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium and football.london has now gathered all the latest talks about the player’s future ahead of next week’s deadline.
Man United claim
Manchester United could put a twist on the story as it was revealed in 2021 that Caicedo “dreams” of playing for Manchester United. Speaking about the Red Devils with Athletic, he said: “My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow. With his strength and dedication he has managed to reach this level. It motivates me to keep working hard and doing the right things.”
READ ALSO : Chelsea squad after January transfer deadline following Todd Boehly spending spree
Brighton decision
As expected, Brighton have dropped Moises Caicedo from their squad to face Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round at the AMEX Stadium. Discussing the situation with ITV, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi explained: “Moises is a great guy. We’ll see tomorrow and the next few days what happens.
“We hope he stays with us until the end of the season, but that is a question for the club and for Moises. I think that in life you can make mistakes. For everyone, there are many solutions and we will see the best solution for the club. him and for us.”
Player preference revealed
According to journalist Charlie Haffenden, Caicedo was interested in a move to Chelsea but was willing to wait until the end of the current campaign. However, Arsenal’s offer has changed the player’s stance, considering Arteta’s side are currently in a title race.
Banned until after the transfer window
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs writes: “Moises Caicedo will not return to Brighton until AFTER the transfer window closes. The club’s stance on a sale remains unchanged. Caicedo will not be part of Liverpool’s FA Cup game though. suitors (and Caicedo’s new agents) haven’t given up, Brighton plans to retain control.
“Brighton remains calm about the situation. Both #CFC and #AFC offers to date have been robustly rejected without compromise. Caicedo clearly wants a change and his agents remain active, but Brighton believes a break is the best course of action. action before the second half of the season.
“The bottom line is that Brighton training doesn’t start until 11am today. So it looks like all parties knew about the situation last night or early this morning rather than any surprises.
“There is a belief that Caicedo staying away actually protects him from the noise. While his absence naturally fuels further speculation, Brighton see this as a short period for him to reflect and refocus before the second half of the season.”
Confirmed training choice
Romano’s report has since been confirmed, with him now tweeting: “Moises Caicedo did not show up for training today – he wants to leave immediately. Caicedo could also miss tomorrow’s game. Understand that Arsenal must improve their bid, after £60 million revealed yesterday.
“Chelsea offered £55m – he also rejected.”
Set to miss training
Fabrizio Romano reports: “Understand Moises Caicedo was unable to train with the team on Saturday following his decision to go public and ask the club to leave.
“Caicedo will decide tomorrow – but he was clear with Brighton: he wants the opportunity. Brighton still wants to keep Moises.”
Brighton face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday and their inclusion in that game is perhaps the clearest hint that things at home are progressing.
Caicedo’s statement
Caicedo released a statement on Instagram which read: “I am grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with a heart.
“I am the youngest of 10 brothers from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo, Ecuador. My dream has always been to be the most decorated player in Ecuador’s history. I am proud to be able to bring a record transfer to Brighton, which will allow them to reinvest and help the club continue to be successful.
“The fans took me into their hearts and will always be in my heart, so I hope they can understand why I want to take this magnificent opportunity.”
Caicedo choose
The Daily Mail reports that Caicedo has his head turned by interest this window and that he wants to move towards a move to Chelsea or Arsenal in the final week of the January window.
It is written that Caicedo would be willing to hand in a transfer request to force a deal. Brighton face Liverpool in the FA Cup at the weekend and their involvement will be a clear indicator of how things are progressing.
offer rejected
It didn’t take long, having cleared the £75million figure this window, Athletic reported that Brighton had quickly rejected the £60million bid.
David Ornstein wrote: “Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected a £60m bid fixed from Arsenal for Moises Caicedo. #AFC targeting Ecuador international [internacional] to bolster midfield + interest remains despite #BHAFC insisting on 21 years [year] is not for sale.”
Arsenal’s new offer
Arsenal made a late move to sign Caicedo this month. Arteta’s men are after a midfielder after failing to get one at the end of the summer window.
However, football.london understands that a £60m bid has been rejected by Brighton. The Gunners made a bid for the Ecuador international to Brighton, but the Seagulls are thought to have promptly rejected the approach.
Read more here.
Caicedo ticket
In a recent interview, Caicedo himself gave an update on his future, where he insists his current focus is on Brighton alone.
Speaking to the Brighton club’s official website, he said: “I’m here, I play every day. Outside things don’t bother me, nor do they take away that focus because I’m only focused here”, he said. he said. “I handle [the speculation] well.
“You hear rumors here and there, but I just try to be focused on the club I’m at now, the club that opened the doors for me to play every week.”
Arsenal’s kidnapping
Arsenal are “ready” to rival Chelsea for Brighton talent Moises Caicedo as both London sides look to sign a new midfielder.
The Blues are believed to still be pursuing a deal for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez, which could allow the Gunners to hijack a transfer to Caicedo and exact revenge after Mykhailo Mudryk moved to Stamford Bridge after being heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
£55m bid rejected
Chelsea have seen two bids over £55m rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls are said to value their midfielder at a much higher price, demanding a fee close to £70m, with Brighton keen not to lose him midway through the 2022/23 season.
Identified replacement
Brighton’s latest move in the transfer maaaaaaaarket has given Chelsea a huge boost as they could agree a deal for Moises Caicedo this month or in the summer.
As revealed by Daniel Kristoffersson, the Seagulls have agreed a deal to sign AIK midfielder Yasin Ayari for £5.3m, with the 18-year-old seen as Caicedo’s long-term successor in the same vein as the Ecuadorian international went to Yves Bissouma.