Arsenal still have the opportunity to build Mikel Arteta’s dream midfield this summer by acquiring the services of Moises Caicedo from Brighton. The Ecuador international looked destined to join Chelsea this summer, though negotiations are ‘not close’ with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Following their impressive 2022/23 campaign, Arteta made it clear that he wanted to continue strengthening his squad in order to close the gap on Manchester City. The Spaniard prioritised a rebuild in midfield – allowing Granit Xhaka to leave and putting several players in the shop window.
Thomas Partey is among those who could depart, with Saudi clubs circling in hope of landing the Ghana international. Thus, Arsenal could add another top-quality player to their midfield ranks – with Caicedo still admired.
Earlier this summer, Arteta intended on signing both the Brighton star and Declan Rice but the finances involved became a deterrent and they prioritised the latter, who recently arrived for £105million. Though there is every chance that the Gunners could sign the ‘dream duo’ because the Daily Mail report that Chelsea are ‘not close’ to matching the Seagulls’ £100m asking price for Caicedo.
The Blues have been locked in negotiations with Brighton for weeks, though Mauricio Pochettino’s side appear reluctant to welcome another £100m signing given that they forked out a similar fee for Enzo Fernandez in January. The Seagulls are adamant that they will not accept a lesser figure for their No 25 and are now including Caicedo in their pre-season plans – with their squad set to leave for the US on Monday.
Similarly, Arsenal are not expected to allow Partey to leave cheaply, with some reports speculating that they will demand at least £30m for the services of the ex-Atletico Madrid star. A figure in that region would go a long way to securing Caicedo if the Gunners do return to the race – though they may need to repair their fractured relationship with Brighton if they are to strike a deal.
Arsenal attempted to prise the midfielder away from the Amex Stadium in January, though Brighton rebuffed all offers in favour of a summer sale. Arteta’s side insisted throughout the month though, with several ‘derisory’ offers in the region of £70m sparking annoyance within the Seagulls camp, though those bridges can be rebuilt with a successful deal.
A midfield trio of Rice, Caicedo and Martin Odegaard would largely be regarded as one of the best midfields in Europe, and the Emirates Stadium outfit will feel that the three is the perfect foundation for success in both the short and long term.
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