Moises Caicedo could consider handing in a transfer request to force a move to Arsenal, with the Ecuadorian keen on a new challenge.
According to the Daily Mail, Moises Caicedo is reportedly keen on joining Arsenal. Brighton rejected a huge £60 million offer from the Gunners earlier on Friday, and the midfielder could consider handing in a transfer request to force a move through.
Moises Caicedo is at the centre of a huge transfer battle between Arsenal and Chelsea. With both London giants seeking a high-profile midfielder in this window, the Ecuadorian has emerged as their primary target. The Blues were the first to show an interest, and the 21-year-old was open to joining them.
In the aftermath of Brighton rejecting an offer from the Stamford Bridge outfit, the 21-year-old Chelsea target changed agents. It was a major hint towards where the midfielder sees his long-term future, as a move in this month or the summer looks inevitable.
While Chelsea pondered on improving their initial £55 million bid, it’s Arsenal who have taken the next steps. The Gunners launched a £60 million bid for Caicedo earlier on Friday. The money was fixed and did not include any add-ons.
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have submitted £60m bid to sign Moises Caicedo as new midfielder 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
Chelsea had £55m verbal proposal rejected this January as Brighton hope to keep the player — but Arsenal are now pushing.
Negotiations enter into key stages for Caicedo’s future. pic.twitter.com/WZp3RKRdbx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2023
Brighton has since rejected the approach, and the suggestion is that they will look to keep the 21-year-old Chelsea target until the end of the season. Caicedo feels it could be a great opportunity to join Arsenal now and become a part of a title-winning squad.
The Gunners might go back with an improved offer, but Brighton’s demands for the midfielder could prove crucial. Arsenal might have consulted with the player’s new representatives and understood their overall intentions before bidding.
The report suggests Caicedo is keen on joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline and could consider handing in a transfer request to force a move through. The situation becomes tricky for Brighton in their quest to keep the player, but their manager wants him to stay put.
At least Roberto De Zerbi hoped Caicedo remained at the club for the next six months.
He said: “He is a good guy. He is focused only on Brighton. I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season because, in my opinion, it is the best solution for him and us.”
The report also suggests Caicedo feels he might not get a chance in the summer to join either of the London sides. Both teams could bring in a new midfielder if they cannot get the Ecuadorian so he might lose out on a big career move.
Arsenal’s next offer could determine Brighton’s stance on the player. They might accept an offer if the terms are right, although their relationship with the Gunners might be very important in completing a deal.
