Journalist shares Moises Caicedo stance on Arsenal move, could be a Chelsea boost

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CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs says Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo had his head turned in January simply by a move to a top-six club and not specifically a move to Arsenal – suggesting that Chelsea could tempt the Ecuadorian.

Caicedo, 21, was the subject of enormous interest in January from both Chelsea and Arsenal. TalkSPORT reported that Arsenal saw two bids rejected by Brighton, the second of which was worth £70m. Chelsea were also interested in him.

The Ecuador star has only played 32 times in league and cup for Brighton – but it is enough to have convinced Arsenal and Chelsea. Caicedo made his return, after trying to push for a move from Brighton, as a sub against Bournemouth.

That interest is likely to be retained in the summer. But Jacobs reports that Caicedo’s head was not turned simply by Arsenal – but by a move to a top-six club. It could give Chelsea hope come the summer in pursuit of the midfielder.

“Caicedo, from what I understand, didn’t necessarily have an absolute preference of club. He wanted the move, but he termed it very generically a magnificent opportunity, and that magnificent opportunity started when only Chelsea bid.

“It ended when Arsenal made two bids. His head was turned during that whole process, which tells you that it’s more about joining one of the big six than necessarily being overly fixed on a singular club,” Jacobs told Give Me Sport.

Jacobs: Caicedo head turned not specifically over move to Arsenal

So, come the summer, it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. Having missed out on Caicedo, Arsenal went to Chelsea and lured Jorginho to The Emirates. It means the Gunners have solved their lack of cover for Thomas Partey.

For Chelsea, they are now a midfielder down. N’Golo Kante’s deal ends in the summer. You would suggest that if either team needed Caicedo, it is certainly Chelsea. A move to Stamford Bridge would form a reunion with Graham Potter.

As things stand, with Caicedo not having a particular preference – and Caicedo still likely to go in the next window, you would suggest Chelsea need him more and are in a better position to get the South American wonderkid.