Moises Caicedo’s move to Premier League leaders Arsenal is a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ despite Brighton’s reluctance to cash in on the Ecuador international, Simon Jordan tells talkSPORT (30 January, 12pm).
When Mikel Arteta admitted that the Gunners were considering a late swoop for a new midfielder after losing Mohamed Elneny to a potentially long-term injury lay-off, Gunners fans may have expected a short-term quick fix. Not quite another Kim Kallstrom, perhaps, but an affordable, experienced addition coming in and provide support for the next few months.
It speaks volumes about Arsenal’s new-found ambition, however, that one of European football’s best young midfielders was quickly installed as the club’s number one target instead.
Arsenal, talkSPORT say, have now seen £60 and £70 million bids rejected by a Brighton side chasing European qualification. The Seagulls insist that Caicedo is going nowhere before Tuesday’s deadline.
But, while Jordan applauds Brighton’s refusal to bow down to Caicedo’s demands, the former Crystal Palace owner believes it is only a matter of time before Arsenal get their man, the 21-year-old taking to Twitter in an attempt to force through his departure.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal want Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion
“I hate saying this,” Jordan begins. “But it’s not a case of ‘if’ this player goes. It’s ‘when’ he goes.
“And when, if Brighton are brave enough, is not now. Fair play to them. But when the summer comes around, and if he keeps performing, Arsenal will buy him then.”
Brighton, the Daily Mail add, want a staggering £80 million for Caicedo. A colossal sum for a player who set the Seagulls back just £4 million. What’s more, Caicedo returned from a loan spell at Belgian outfit Beerschot just 12 months ago. He has started fewer than 30 Premier League games.
“It’s remarkable money, in terms of a player who has played 26 games, was out on loan 18 months ago, and has yet to put any longevity into his performances. It’s remarkable money but these are remarkable times,” Jordan adds.
“Brighton have sold quite a significant of players recently, and raised quite a significant sum of money. So (selling Caicedo) won’t necessarily be something that’s fundamental to the business of Brighton Football Club.
“(But) if you get to the point where someone is offering you £80 or £90 million, (rejecting it) would be a case of cutting your nose off to spite your face.”
90Min believe that Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is an alternative to Caicedo. Tielemans will be a free-agent in the summer. But his form – like many at the King Power Stadium – has suffered a quite alarming dip in recent times.
Brighton, meanwhile, could bring in RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara as a Caicedo replacement.
Martin Zubimendi, Ibrahima Bamba and the Leeds United-bound Weston McKennie have also been on Arsenal’s radar.
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