Arsenal are keen on signing Moises Caicedo and might approach Brighton over a summer move if they fail to sign Declan Rice.
According to Evening Standard, Arsenal could enter the race for Moises Caicedo in the summer. The Ecuadorian midfielder is also a huge target for Chelsea, who have already attempted to sign him this month. The Gunners could enter the frame for the Brighton midfielder if they cannot sign Declan Rice.
The Premier League will witness a massive battle to sign central midfielders in the summer, and Arsenal and Chelsea are in the thick of it. Both sides are keen on signing a top-draw holding midfielder, with the Blues already in the market to bring one.
Chelsea attempted to sign Moises Caicedo but have seen at least two bids rejected by Brighton for the Ecuadorian. The Blues remain desperate to strengthen the position, having already seen a move for Enzo Fernandez fall through.
They were reportedly expected to return with an improved bid for Caicedo, but Brighton may have shut the doors on a transfer this month. They have since shifted their attention towards Amadou Onana. They might make another approach for the Brighton man in the summer.
Arsenal have now reportedly entered the chase for Caicedo in the summer. Mikel Arteta is keen on reinforcing the central midfield role and bringing in a viable competitor to Thomas Partey. They are also hunting for a backup option in this window but may only bring in someone on a loan deal.
Arteta has already given his green light to sign Declan Rice. The West Ham midfielder is Arsenal’s primary target, and they are open to paying a huge fee to secure the England international.
Rice is also a target for Chelsea, who will make huge efforts to sign him. He has previously remained open to re-joining the Blues, a club he left as an academy graduate. If Arsenal cannot secure Rice, they might keep their options open and have an alternative list drawn up.
Caicedo could feature at the top of that list. The Gunners may keep tabs on the 21-year-old Chelsea target from here on. They also have Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi on their list and even planned on paying his €60 million release clause this month. The Spaniard, however, wants to remain in Spain and see out the season.
As things stand, Arsenal have these four midfielders on their list, but Caicedo could be their no.1 alternative to Rice. The 21-year-old Chelsea target will cost a huge sum if Brighton opens their doors, something the Gunners might pay up if needed.
