According to recent reports, Arsenal have withdrawn from the race to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.
Arsenal are set to have one of their biggest transfer windows in the clubs history with a return to the Champions League on the cards next season. The Gunners are keen to add some much needed quality in depth to the squad in order to compete for the biggest trophies available next season.
The Gunners number one priority remains Declan Rice despite Arsenal’s opening offer being rejected by West Ham yesterday. Arsenal are currently in talks with the Hammers over a £100million package for their club captain. However Mikel Arteta wants two new midfielders in ahead of next season, but Moises Caicedo does not appear to be one of them.
It appears Chelsea are ahead in the race to sign the Brighton midfielder as it stands with Arsenal’s attention elsewhere. According to The Times, Arsenal have withdrawn their interest for Moises Caicedo, with Chelsea and Manchester United still in the race.
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Bayern Munich are also interested in signing the Ecuadorian International this summer. Brighton are looking for a fee similar to what Arsenal are trying to sign Declan Rice for, which is in the region of £100million. It’s unlikely the Gunners will be able to pull off two £100million deals in the same window and therefore the priority remains bringing in Declan Rice first.
Moises Caicedo has recently said he wants to play Champions League football if he is to leave Brighton ahead of next season, something Chelsea can’t offer him. However none of the clubs in the race have made a formal offer for his services so far.
Charlie Haffenden reports that Caicedo is relaxed and focused on the international break, as he knows Brighton will keep their promise with regards to his exit.
Moises Caicedo made 43 appearances for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi this season, helping them to qualify for European competition for the first time and to reach the FA Cup semi-final. An Ecuador international, having made his debut as an 18-year-old, the midfielder is already up to 30 appearances for his country.
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