Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool were dealt a severe blow in pursuing Moises Caicedo after his contract renewal.
According to Football Insider, Moises Caicedo’s price tag may have jumped significantly after his contract renewal. The news will come as a huge blow for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool, as the trio plotted a move for the 21-year-old Premier League ace in the summer.
Moises Caicedo was the subject of intense speculation late in the January window as Brighton stood firm in keeping the midfielder. First, Chelsea saw a bid rejected; then the Seagulls rebuffed two huge offers from Arsenal for the 21-year-old Premier League ace.
In response to Arsenal’s first bid, Caicedo took to social media, urging Brighton to consider the offer. He dreamt of taking a massive step in his career and wanted to join the Gunners, who potentially offered the challenge of fighting for the title.
Back then, Caicedo said, “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful,”
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart, so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
Brighton held their ground over the midfielder’s future and kept hold of him until deadline day. They also asked the midfielder to remain away from the team until after January 31st. Caicedo had a very low salary and had a long-term contract with the Seagulls, which the club corrected in the last few days.
Caicedo has signed a new long-term deal until 2027, with a club option for an extra year. Based on that decision, Brighton would demand a considerable fee in return if Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool attempt in the summer. The news will come as a big blow for the Premier League trio and their chances of signing the Ecuadorian.
Despite those unsuccessful bids in January, the Arsenal were plotting a summer move for Caicedo. Mikel Arteta was keen on the midfielder to shore up his options but did sign Jorginho from Chelsea on deadline day. The Italian only signed a short-term deal, opening up possibilities for the Ecuadorian to revive his dream of joining the Gunners.
Arteta could go for a solid option in Declan Rice and consider Caicedo a fallback alternative next summer. For the Ecuadorian, the Gunners will face plenty of competition, with Liverpool also interested in the 21-year-old Premier League ace.
The Reds intend to sign a top-rated midfielder, with Jude Bellingham their priority target. There’s plenty of competition for the Borussia Dortmund star, but much will also depend on the Reds and their ability to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will revive his interest in Caicedo during the summer. So far, the American has not been bothered by high asking prices, meaning the Blues are well placed to sign the Ecuadorian even at a higher price than before.
For now, Brighton will ask considerably more than the £75 million they reportedly wanted in January. In the past, Arsenal have shown reluctance to pay over the odds, while Liverpool, with their limited funds, may only focus on one big-money signing.
