Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Moises Caicedo with the £10,000-a-week man now prepared to submit a transfer request.
What’s the story?
Well, the Gunners made a £60m bid for the Ecuador international this morning – according to Fabrizio Romano.
However, Brighton swiftly rejected the offer, having already snubbed a £55m bid from Chelsea – as detailed by The Athletic.
Brighton are determined to keep Caicedo at the Amex Stadium this month, and are believed to value their No.25 at £100m.
Now, however, the Seagulls have an issue on their hands, one which will be music to the ears of Arsenal fans.
The Daily Mail believe Caicedo is prepared to hand in a transfer request in an attempt to force through his move to the Emirates Stadium, as he dreams of a switch to London.
It is also said that the South American could miss Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Liverpool amid the intense transfer speculation.
It comes just days after Caicedo went public to reiterate the fact he is only focused on Brighton in an official interview with the Seagulls, where he said: “I am focussed on Brighton. I am here, I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I’m focussed only on here.
“I handle (speculation) well. You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week.”
Therefore, if the 21-year-old does end up joining Arsenal, it would be quite embarrassing for Brighton.
Interest in Caicedo comes after he made 18 Premier League appearances so far this season, scoring one goal while also providing one assist.
The Santo Domingo-born wonderkid also made three appearances for Ecuador at the World Cup, scoring one goal.
Arsenal take advantage with Caicedo bid
It is refreshing to see Arsenal take advantage of their current position at the top of the Premier League by making significant offers for some of the best talents around.
There was interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk, and while that deal sadly failed, the money was reinvested in Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and now an offer for Caicedo.
It would be easy for Arsenal to get complacent as they sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, but having been in a terrible position for most of Mikel Arteta’s reign so far, the Gunners are clearly keen to not fall back into mediocrity.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
