Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are not going to face competition from Graham Potter’s Chelsea for Moises Caicedo, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano in CaughtOffSide.
The Italian journalist has claimed that Arsenal are keen on signing Caicedo from Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion in the January transfer window, and that the midfielder would love to move to the Gunners.
Chelsea have also been interested in the Ecuador international, but since they had their initial offer for the 21-year-old turned down, the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners have decided to focus on Benfica and Argentina international midfielder Enzo Fernandez instead.
This means that Arsenal will now have a free run at Caicedo, described as “fantastic” and “incredible” by his Brighton teammate Adam Webster on the club’s official website in April 2022.
Chelsea stance on Arsenal target Moises Caicedo
Romano said:” Caicedo would love to join Arsenal, he wants a top club move this January as it was his biggest dream.
“Still, in my experience, Brighton will not change their stance just because of player statement: it has to be a very good proposal according to their position, otherwise they are prepared to fight and keep the player.”
The journalist added: “Chelsea are fully focused on Enzo now, not on Caicedo after £55m bid turned down ten days ago.
“Chelsea and Benfica are speaking again now for Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea are prepared to pay €120m fee but final decision is up to Rui Costa who insists to keep the player. Chelsea will push in the next hours, again and again.”
Encouraging for Arsenal
In our view, Chelsea backing away from a potential move for Moises Caicedo is certainly encouraging for Arsenal.
This means that the Gunners are the only club who want to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion star in the final two days of the January transfer window.
If the Ecuador international midfielder himself wants to join Arsenal, then it strengthens the Gunners’ position even more.
Now, of course, Arsenal will have to agree a fee with Brighton.
That could be a problem, as the Seagulls are aiming for an European spot in the Premier League table this season, and they may not be keen on selling yet another important player in January after letting Leandro Trossard join Arsenal.
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