Moises Caicedo was concerned that a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal may be a once in a lifetime opportunity with Brighton and Hove Albion eventually refusing to sell the £90 million-rated enforcer, his agent tells Marca90.
As Manuel Sierra explains, you never know what lies around the corner.
Caicedo could find himself on the wrong end of a mis-timed tackle in training, suffer a broken leg or a dreaded ACL rupture. And, with that, his hopes of a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs could go up in smoke.
When Arsenal came calling, making two bids but falling short of Brighton’s staggering £90 million asking price, Caicedo was determined to strike while the proverbial iron was hot, fearing that such a chance might not come round again.
“The offers were received. You see what is on the table, and Moises says that he wants to go forward. That it is the dream of his whole life; an opportunity that may not be repeated,” says the Ecuadorian’s representative.
Moises Caicedo wanted to leave Brighton for Arsenal
Caicedo’s worst fears, it seems, may soon be realised. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are currently unlikely to renew their interest in the one-time Everton target during the summer, with West Ham talisman Declan Rice their number one target.
It’s probable that Arsenal only opted against a January bid for Rice because they knew the Hammers would have absolutely no intention of selling their star man in the midst of a relegation battle. Brighton’s case, however, was a little different. They are more-than safe from the drop, and have a history of cashing in on key players.
Caicedo, meanwhile, went as far as to post a statement on his official Twitter page, thanking Brighton for their support and expressing his desire to seal a switch to Mikel Arteta’s league-leading Gunners.
“We helped draft the statement,” Sierra adds. “In that statement, he expresses his wish and his gratitude to the club. They gave him the chance to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League.
“We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe he trains and picks up an injury. We can’t know what’s going to happen.
“Moises asked the club for permission to publish the statement. He did not go to the game (against Liverpool in the FA Cup) because (Brighton) gave him the weekend off.
“Brighton did not sell him. They understand the situation, and they love him very much.”
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