When Mikel Arteta admitted earlier this week that Arsenal may be forced into the market for a new central midfielder after losing Mohamed Elneny to a potentially serious injury, Roberto di Zerbi did not need a crystal ball to tell him what was coming next.
In Moises Caicedo, Brighton and Hove Albion have perhaps the most coveted young midfielder in the Premier League at their disposal. But not for much longer, perhaps. The Daily Mail believe that Caicedo, the subject of a £60 million bid from the league leaders, is now ‘desperate’ to force through a move to the Emirates Stadium before next week’s deadline; fearing that such an opportunity may not present itself again.
The Ecuadorian enforcer may even go as far as to hand in a transfer request.
Now, Brighton are nothing if not prepared. The Seagulls have a habit of selling key players for a profit before reinvesting in a replacement of equal quality. It is surely no coincidence that Brighton have reportedly made an offer for RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara – per The Guardian – at a time in which Caicedo’s future appears more uncertain than ever.
You would struggle to find many players who share more similarities with Moises Caicedo as Malian maestro Haidara; an all-action, all-round, box-to-box dynamo, and a graduate of the Red Bull school of hard knocks.
Arsenal offer £60m for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo
As for Arsenal, Elneny’s sudden absence is not the only reason why now feels like precisely the right time to go all in for a player tipped to become one of the very best around by one Alan Shearer, catching the Newcastle legend’s eye during the Qatar World Cup (BBC).
Manchester United, long-time admirers of Caicedo, appear to be limited to short-term loan deals this month; the Glazers unwilling to splash out amid ongoing takeover talks. West Ham – another club with Caicedo on their radar – have next to no chance of luring one of the game’s most complete young midfielders away from a club sitting 10 places and 13 points ahead of them in the table.
But what about Liverpool? Well, let’s just say Jurgen Klopp is not exactly waiting with baited breath for a marquee arrival during the final days of the window. Liverpool are absolutely crying out for an injection of youthful exuberance at the heart of an ageing and creaking midfield.
But, having splurged £37 million on Cody Gakpo and amid takeover rumours of their own, Caicedo is no more likely to arrive at Anfield over the next five days than Jude Bellingham is.
‘We cannot’
“I don’t think so,” Klopp tells ESPN when asked about the prospect of further additions. “We cannot solve all problems in the transfer market. I know in dreamland you would just buy players and (that) solves all problems. But I don’t see that coming.”
Arsenal took full and emphatic advantage of their rivals’ malaise when establishing themselves as favourites for the Premier League title. It seems the Gunners have taken a similar approach while targeting Moises Caicedo too, moving at a time when Liverpool, Manchester United and co can do little to standing their way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
