Arsenal tried to sign Moises Caicedo in the January transfer window, but to no avail.
The Gunners bid for the Brighton player, but the club was not interested in doing business.
Even a combination of a £70million Arsenal bid and the player publicly asking to leave didn’t sway the Seagulls.
Caicedo ended up staying put at the Amex Stadium before signing a new contract until the summer of 2027.
In addition, the Arsenal January target’s club has an option for an extra year.
This would suggest that Caicedo has become unavailable for the likes of the Gunners for the time being.
However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Ecuadorian’s new contract isn’t the end of the matter.
The transfer insider, speaking on YouTube, believes “things will happen again” around Caicedo in the summer.
“Let’s see for Moises Caicedo,” began Romano. “He signed a new deal a few days ago.
“It’s a really important one for Brighton because they can be stronger in negotiations.
“They turned down £55m from Chelsea in January and then £70m from Arsenal in January too.
“What’s happening? They gave this new contract to Caicedo because of the salary situation.
“It was part of the agreement between Caicedo and Brighton to give him the payrise because it was absolutely deserved.
“The expectation is for big clubs to be back again in the summer.
“Things will happen again around Caicedo in the summer.
“Brighton will be stronger in the negotiation after this new contract.
“There is no release clause, but this is one to watch in the summer for sure.”
Arsenal might still have a chance
You’ve got to say, fair play to Brighton for sticking to their guns in January and getting Caicedo to sign a new contract.
By the looks of it, the Seagulls are aware their player will have offers in the summer.
And this new contract gives them amazing leverage when it comes to negotiations over one of their key assets.
While it doesn’t seem like great news for Arsenal, the fact he doesn’t seem completely unavailable is a big boost.
The Gunners need to build on this fine season, and a player of Caicedo’s quality, you can pretty much build a team around him.
At just 21 years of age, he’s already one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Perfect for Arsenal.
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