Caicedo transfer latest as Brighton star sends Chelsea players ‘secret message’
Chelsea have been pursuing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo throughout the summer transfer window. The Blues have had four bids for the Ecuadorian international rejected by the Seagulls with Liverpool now coming in late with a larger bid than Chelsea have so far offered.
Despite Brighton’s determination to keep Caicedo, the Blues remain in the hunt for his signature – especially after he recently confirmed his desire to join the club. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are standing firm on their £100million valuation which has been a source of huge frustration for the 21-year-old.
With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest information regarding the Blues’ pursuit of Caicedo…
‘Secret message’
While Chelsea are yet to send Brighton an improved offer, they intend to do so, with Caicedo’s heart set on a move to west London. Earlier this summer, he voiced his desire to join the Blues, describing the club as a ‘very big, historic, beautiful team.
In fact, the Ecuadorian is so eager to begin working under Pochettino that he’s reportedly reached out to a few players. According to TheSecretScout, Caicedo has told them: “I will see you soon.”
New Chelsea bid prepared
The Moises Caicedo deal twists yet again as Fabrizio Romano reports that the midfielder only wants a move to Chelsea this summer and not Liverpool - despite the Reds having a deal agreed with Brighton over the Blues. The reporter claims that the west London outfit are preparing a bid worth at least £110million, if not more, to try and land the midfielder.
Jurgen Klopp admission
Jurgen Klopp revealed on Friday that Liverpool had reached an agreement to sign Moises Caicedo as he told reporters: “I got told I can confirm the Moises Caicedo deal is agreed with the club. With the player, we will have to see. Medical today? I can’t tell you, I don’t know.
“We give it a go and the club have really stretched it to be honest.”
Liverpool deal
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Moises Caicedo for a £110million. The report states that the Seagulls held an auction using midnight as the deadline.
It’s said that Chelsea submitted an offer of £100million, but they were ultimately outbid by the Reds. The Athletic add that agreeing personal terms should be a formality and a medical has been scheduled for Friday in Merseyside.
Chelsea ‘dream’ scenario
Chelsea are reportedly ‘pushing’ to sign Moises Caicedo and have an ideal scenario for his unveiling. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that the Blues have a ‘dream’ of presenting the midfielder during their Premier League opener with Liverpool on Sunday. Romano described the next 24 hours as ‘crucial’ with Liverpool said to be planning to submit a formal bid on Friday.
Liverpool make huge late bid
Liverpool have exceeded Chelsea’s bids for Moises Caicedo and pushed the Blues towards their move for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, according to the Telegraph. The Ecuador midfielder apparently still prefers the move to Stamford Bridge but a late move from FSG has put the Reds in pole position to agree a fee with Brighton.
Compromise made
According to the Independent, Chelsea have made progress in negotiations with the Seagulls over a potential deal for the midfielder. The report states Brighton have conceded that their £100million valuation won’t be paid as a lump sum.
Instead, they are now holding the Blues to a £90million basic fee, and then an additional £10million in add-ons made up in bonuses and various clauses.
Brighton demand
Chelsea have been handed a huge boost to their hopes of signing Moises Caicedo. With the Brighton ace eager to swap the south coast for west London, he has told Brighton that he wants to leave and missed training on Monday in an attempt to force an exit, according to The Times.
The report adds that Mauricio Pochettino wants to add two midfielders to his squad, so the Blues still have plenty of business to conduct in the next three weeks.
Training decision
Brighton star Moises Caicedo has again missed training in an attempt to force a transfer to Chelsea.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber revealed Caicedo missed the clash against Rayo Vallecano through injury, but it has since been revealed his absence was a clear indication he wants to leave.
Breakthrough hint
Brighton’s formal move to sign Ajax star Mohammed Kudus could have given Chelsea a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Moises Caicedo. As per the Athletic, Brighton have reached a €40million (£34.6million) agreement in principle with Ajax to sign Kudus.
This agreement comes after transfer guru Fabrizio Romano noted that the Seagulls would be one to watch in the Kudus race if they received a huge bid for Caicedo. On Twitter, after news broke of Kudus to Brighton, the Italian journalist said: “Keep an eye on Caicedo now that Brighton invested on Kudus. That’s it. Negotiations ongoing.”
£40million decision
Chelsea will be forced to make a major transfer sacrifice if they intend to pay Brighton’s £100million valuation of Moises Caicedo in full. Spending triple-figures could leave the Blues with minimal funds to sign other targets, such as Mohammed Kudus, and agreeing to pay Brighton’s asking price for Caicedo could directly impact that deal.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea should “keep an eye” on Brighton in the race for Kudus if they get a major funds boost from selling Caicedo.
Relationship boost
Chelsea aren’t worried about any so-called mystery club signing Caicedo this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Athletic reported earlier this week that an unidentified side had lodged an offer for the Ecuadorian international, bidding more than the Blues’ most recent £80million one.
The Seagulls are said to have rejected this and Romano has now claimed that Mauricio Pochettino’s side aren’t scared of this mystery team. The Italian also reported that the west Londoners hope their deal to bring Robert Sanchez to Stamford Bridge will help their relationship with Brighton whilst Caicedo is still pushing for a move to the capital.
Potential alternative identified
Chelsea are reportedly looking at alternatives to Caicedo after becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in their pursuit of the 21-year-old. According to Evening Standard, Paris Saint-Germain star Leandro Paredes is a name high up on their list, with the player working under Mauricio Pochettino during the Argentine’s time as PSG boss.
The 29-year-old is now into the final year of his contract at the Parc des Princes and he is said to be available at a reasonable price. The report adds that Edson Alvarez, Tyler Adams, Amadou Onana and Gabri Veiga are other players being looked at by the Blues.
Brighton decision
Brighton expect midfielder Moises Caicedo to stay at the club this summer beyond the closing of the transfer window next month. That’s according to the BBC, which reports that no team has been able to meet the valuation set of the young midfielder and they don’t expect anyone to match it in the next few weeks.
New mystery bidder…
According to The Athletic, an “unidentified” club have lodged an offer for Moises Caicedo this summer in competition of Chelsea’s move. The bid is believed to be above that of the Blues’ most recent £80million one, potentially turning up the heat on their pursuit of the midfielder.
Brighton are claimed to have rejected this offer, but it adds another fresh twist to the saga that the west London outfit would’ve hoped to avoid.
Details from Brighton meeting revealed
Moises Caicedo and his representatives met with Brighton over the weekend to discuss his future and hopeful transfer to Chelsea with the details of the meeting now being revealed. As per Di Marzio’s Nathan Gissing, Brighton made it clear, this time to Caicedo himself and his camp, they are refusing to budge on their £100million asking price.
Moises Caicedo makes £100m Brighton transfer demand
According to The Times, the 21-year-old midfielder is set to hold talks with Brighton in an effort to bring down the club’s £100million asking price. Brighton’s high valuation is based on Caicedo having four years left on the contract he signed in March, while £100million would appear to represent the market value for elite central midfielders joining top Premier League clubs - especially after Declan Rice signed for Arsenal in a £105million deal earlier this month.
The report adds that Caicedo and his representatives are keen to handle the matter sensitively out of respect for Brighton. However, the player is growing frustrated that a deal has not been agreed between the two clubs as of yet.
Huge decision
Chelsea have made the huge decision to continue talks with Brighton for midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer, reports Fabrizio Romano. The Blues recently had an £80million bid rejected by the Seagulls for the youngster, which leaves them facing the reality of preparing a huge bid to land him.
Replacement prepared
Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Brighton have lined up a replacement for Moises Caicedo ahead of the midfielder’s potential transfer to Chelsea this summer. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his options in the middle of the park.
“He is young, it is difficult to live inside the possibility to change things, changing teams, changing a city, changing everything,” the Italian told Sky Sports, as quoted by SussexLive. “But he’s a serious guy, a serious player and he’s working well in a good way.
“We are waiting for the situation to change. If you asked me what I would like, I would like him to stay with us but it is not my work, my work is to tell my owner that if Caicedo leaves that we need another big important midfielder.”
Then, when asked if he has someone in mind to replace Caicedo, the Brighton boss replied: “Yes, but I don’t want to tell you!”
Social media hint
Moises Caicedo has hinted on social media that he could be leaving Brighton this summer. Whether the midfielder is looking to force a move, anticipating an agreement between the two clubs or simply rebranding his social media page, he’s removed Brighton from his bio section on Instagram.
De Zerbi update
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a firm stance on the future of Moises Caicedo amid strong interest and several approaches from Chelsea.
“No it’s not true because I am coach, not owner, coach, not sporting director,” the Italian said on reports of an agreement to let Caicedo leave. “Believe me, it is difficult to be a coach. In my work, I am used to speaking with my players every day, for every question, every part of life, not only football. But I didn’t give my word for nothing.
“We didn’t speak about the next transfer market window and for me, he is a player like the others. OK, we are Brighton and I can understand we have to sell any player at the end of the season like Mac Allister. But at the moment, I have not received news that Caicedo can leave tomorrow or in the next week. I start the next season with Caicedo in my head in the first 11, for sure.”
Transfer request
Moises Caicedo is pushing hard to secure a summer transfer to Chelsea and his latest request to Brighton further showcases his desire to make the move.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Caicedo has directly told De Zerbi and senior members of Brighton’s hierarchy that he wants to leave. Chelsea are yet to launch a third bid but one is being prepared and could arrive before the end of the week with talks ongoing.
Liverpool decision
In an interview with Betfred, Steve McManaman said: “No, they [Liverpool] won’t pay that money. I understand what Brighton are doing and if it’s true that Arsenal offered them a lot of money in the January window and they said no, then now his price tag would have gone up even more, so I don’t believe that any team would pay £100million for him.
“He’s a good defensive midfielder, but the prices we’re talking about are ridiculous aren’t they? I presume that Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal has set the benchmark now.
“Clubs can play the game now and claim if one defensive midfielder is worth £100million then their player is also worth that too. I very much doubt that Liverpool would pay £100million for Caicedo.”
New meeting boost
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Moises Caicedo’s representatives are pushing for a speedy resolution to the transfer saga involving Chelsea and Brighton. The reporter claims that the two clubs are set for face-to-face talks soon, with his agents able to attend if necessary.
Marc Cucurella claim
Marc Cucurella has hinted that he could help Chelsea in their transfer pursuit of Brighton star Moises Caicedo. “I think he wants to come here,” the Spaniard revealed in a press conference for a pre-season friendly with Wrexham. “I’ve read in the media lots of times. I have a good relationship with him, he is a good midfielder and if he comes I think we have a top midfielder for a long time.”
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, on the other hand, remained coy on the possibility of landing Caicedo, adding: “All of the team are working very hard to get what we want. I don’t want to speak about specific names. Like us, many clubs are working to sign a player to improve their team.”
Bid rejected
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have seen a bid worth £70million for the midfielder turned down by Roberto De Zerbi’s side. The report states that the offer, which did not include add-ons, was filled in writing on Monday and rejected.
However, the Blues’ pursuit shall continue and the Seagulls are prepared for his potential exit, providing that their asking price is met. Last month, The Athletic suggested that Brighton were seeking £100million for Caicedo given that he penned a new long-term deal in March.
Players’ concern
According to Mail Sport, some Chelsea players have sought assurances that the club still intends to strengthen the squad with signings after losing some experienced heads. Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kante have all left the club which has weakened Pochettino’s options in midfield.
Caicedo is pushing to complete a move to Stamford Bridge but Chelsea are yet to agree a transfer fee with Brighton.
First bid details revealed
According to Nathan Gissing, Chelsea offered an initial fee £65million plus £5million add-ons offer for Caicedo rejected by Brighton last week. This proposal falls well short of the Seagulls’ valuation which is said to be around £80million.
‘Player unhappy’
Moises Caicedo is set to be part of Brighton’s pre-season tour to the USA, but the player is said to be ‘very unhappy’ an agreement for a move to Chelsea isn’t in place yet, according to Ben Jacobs.
It has also been said that he expects progress to be made this week with Chelsea yet to formally lodge their first bid.
New transfer deadline
Mauricio Pochettino had hoped Moises Caicedo would be part of his Chelsea squad for the pre-season tour of the USA that kicks off this week, but that does not appear as though it will be the case. The Blues travelled overseas on Monday and with negotiations set to continue for Caicedo, are hopeful of wrapping up the deal next week.
Bid increase prepared
Chelsea look to have finally changed their Moises Caicedo bid stance after learning £80million would not be enough. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are preparing a verbal bid to submit during negotiations that will be higher than £70million plus add-ons in the hopes of convincing Brighton to sell.
Positive talks
Moises Caicedo continues to be linked with a summer move to Chelsea. Negotiations have been ongoing for weeks without much progress, but football.london understands Chelsea and Brighton have held positive talks in recent days over the possible sale of Caicedo.
Arsenal decision after Rice confirmed
Arsenal have confirmed the transfer of Declan Rice which could result in them also hoping to add Caicedo to their midfield ranks. However, there appears to be no chance of that happening.
According to **The Athletic, Caicedo was seen as an irretrievable back-up option to Rice and because Chelsea had done so much groundwork ahead of the summer window, a transfer to the Blues was virtually wrapped up.
Liverpool stance
Chelsea do not look as though they will face a threat from Liverpool as they aim to capture the services of Moises Caicedo. According to The Telegraph, reports suggesting Jurgen Klopp is plotting a move for Caicedo are considered wide of the mark with many believing at the club, talks with Chelsea are far too advanced to potentially hijack the transfer.
Caicedo ‘committed’ to Chelsea
Brighton reportedly maintain that Caicedo is worth £100million. Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law told the London is Blue podcast that talks are ongoing between the two clubs but that a move will not be concluded quickly.
However, it is said that Caicedo has ‘committed himself to Chelsea’, amid claims of renewed interest from Liverpool
Deal ‘moving’
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are now ‘moving’ between Chelsea and Brighton. The report states that the two clubs are discussing a fixed fee, with £70million not enough.
Deal is a ‘matter of time’
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has given Chelsea reason to be excited with regards to a deal which he says is ‘only a matter of time’ before it is completed. Speaking to wettfreunde.net, he said: “Chelsea will keep trying for Caicedo because he is their number one target and he wants to move to Chelsea.
“His agents have already got Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea and Roberto De Zerbi has decided that Caicedo will not be part of his team anymore. It’s only a matter of time and price. Brighton are a tough team to negotiate with.
“Once they decide the price of a player they keep going and stick to that. They know that Chelsea will pay when they want a player. It’s only a question of time with Chelsea even though Bayern also had interest in Caicedo. The money that Brighton wants is too high even for a club like Bayern.”
Caicedo breaks silence
Moises Caicedo has confirmed that he is open to joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The Blues are currently in talks with Brighton as they look to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder.
“It’s a big team, that’s true,” Caicedo told TCTELEVISION. “A very historic team and I can’t say no because it’s a very big, historic, beautiful team. The city as well is beautiful.”
Bid delay explained
Chelsea have been direct in negotiations with Brighton over the transfer of Moises Caicedo for a number of weeks, but according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano no official bid being sent is normal.
“The only thing I can say is that there are negotiations,” he revealed on the Mark Goldbridge That’s Football YouTube channel. “Chelsea and Brighton are in contact and they will be in contact again this week to discuss Moises Caicedo.
“As I’ve explained this is a different kind of negotiation, there is not a daily official bid and then official answer. They are in direct contact and this is a different kind of communication. It seems really quiet but it is not quiet at all. They are discussing and so this week there will be new conversations for Caicedo.
“Then it really depends on Brighton, because obviously the player wants to go and Chelsea are ready to welcome him as soon as possible, but they are waiting for Brighton to give the green light at the right conditions.”
Pulisic windfall
Chelsea still have major surgery left to be done when it comes to arrivals and the sale of Christian Pulisic now takes their total summer incomings to a staggering £236million ($302.9m) having not yet come close to finishing. Caicedo is the primary target and, though progressing at a snail’s pace, is now open season for Chelsea to pursue.
He is the main player that funds are much needed for. A striker, be that Dusan Vlahovic, Rasmus Hojlund or even Victor Osimhen, is the next area of serious concern. Finding another midfielder to partner Caicedo and go alongside Enzo Fernandez, perhaps Romeo Lavia, is then the third…
Read the full story here.
Agreement claim
Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the Caicedo saga, claiming that the Blues and Brighton are looking to find a solution on the potential transfer fee, although it could be as soon as next week considering the player has already said yes to the move.
When speaking about Chelsea’s pursuit of Caicedo on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano said: “Direct conversation with Brighton, so more than sending an official bid every day it’s about discussing and trying to find a way together.
“Brighton know that Moises Caicedo wants to go, Brighton know every well since February that Moises Caicedo signed a new deal but he had the green light from Roberto De Zerbi to leave in the summer. Let’s say that they will try to find a solution altogether to make this happen. Of course, Caicedo has already said yes to Chelsea.
“It’s still not agreed between clubs, but could be next week. Let’s see what happens next days. For sure, Chelsea are very convinced by Moises Caicedo. He’s the top target.”
Caicedo breaks silence
Caicedo has broken the silence over his future this summer. “It’s a very great emotion [being linked with a move],” he told Maria Jose Flores. “What guy wouldn’t want them to be talking about him?”
He also spoke about the pressure of being talked about at the centre of a big money move. “I know how to handle it. I don’t get carried away by emotions. I’m enjoying time with my family for now. There is pressure, but I am calm. I am waiting for whatever God decides. He will know what is best for me.”
On Ecuador and new Chelsea midfield Kendry Paez, he said: “Kendry is a star. Watching him play is a pleasure. It’s good to see those talents in Ecuador. We know that we have good youth. I am very happy for him, for everything he is doing, for how he is working. May he continue on the right path and go far. He has the talent.”
Pochettino on transfers
Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on the transfer activity of Chelsea this summer. With players continuing to leave the club both before and after his official start date (July ), there has been much upheaval.
Caicedo remains the priority incoming for the window, football.london understands, and has spoken out on transfer discussions taking place. “I think it is better if I clarify the situation,” he said.
“When we met for first time, and agreed to start work on July. Laurence and Paul represent the plans for the squad. They showed me the transition plan, they start to work, the club start to work. It is doing a fantastic job and I am happy. From now, from the 1st of July I am more involved, I want to work with them.”
He also spoke of building a balanced squad, adding: “It is important to finish the squad and have a balanced squad.” He later said: “We are going to have a squad of players who can deliver.”
New price tag
Brighton have set a new price tag on Moises Caicedo that totals over £100million, according to a report from the Telegraph. The Ecuadorian international has been linked with a huge move to Chelsea this summer, often in the region of £80million, after he signed a new deal.
However Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal, that’s set to be completed for £105million in the coming days, is said to have a huge impact on the valuation set by the Seagulls.
Direct talks revealed
Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Moises Caicedo with frequent negotiations now taking place directly with Brighton. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two parties have happened on every single day since last Friday.
£75million agreement
Chelsea are at the ‘final stage’ of negotiations with Brighton for the transfer of Moises Caicedo, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti. His update reveals that £75million has been agreed as the fixed fee for a summer move and that add-ons are now being discussed by the two parties.
Path free
Chelsea have been handed yet another boost in their attempts to sign Caicedo as Liverpool look to bring in their second midfielder of the window.
Dominik Szoboszlai has agreed a deal to join the Reds in a big-money move from RB Leipzig. It now appears that the Hungary star will be heading to Anfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister as the Reds become the latest side to make midfield additions.
This leaves Chelsea with even more of a free run at Caicedo, who remains their priority, as Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all find their own success in deals for Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Declan Rice.
Formal approach
United are expected to formally approach Brighton for the transfer of Caicedo after making initial contact this week, according to Sky Sports. The report states that the Red Devils’ focus remains on Mason Mount, with a £55million offer still on the table, but Chelsea have been driving a hard bargain for the Englishman.
Talks set to begin
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton for the Ecuadorian in the next day or two. The report states that personal terms shouldn’t be an issue, however the Seagulls are expected to play hardball and hold out for as much as they can.
Old Trafford dream
Caicedo has already revealed that it’s his dream to play for Manchester United, delivering a stinging blow to Chelsea’s hopes of signing the Brighton star. In a press conference during his time at Independiente del Valle, the midfielder confirmed his dream of representing the Red Devils.
“My dream is to play for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is an example to follow,” he said, as quoted by the Express. “With his strength and dedication, he was able to get to that level. That motivates me to keep working hard and do the right things.”
Chelsea stance
According to The Times, Chelsea have told Brighton that they will not meet the asking price of more than £80million for Caicedo. Manchester United have now entered the race for the Ecuadorian midfielder after contacting his representatives as they pursue alternative targets to Mason Mount.
United interest
Manchester United have switched focus from Mason Mount to Caicedo this summer, according to The Times. The Red Devils had their most recent bid for Mount rejected, resulting in an approach for Caicedo, who will be more costly to sign, but at a younger age and on a longer contract.
Price tag clue
Chelsea have been given a major Caicedo price tag clue as the Blues prepare to send their second formal bid of the summer window. According to CBS Sports, a deal worth £80 million, plus £10m in add-ons, for the midfielder ‘appears possible’.
The report also outlines that those close to Caicedo insist that their client shouldn’t be going for anything more than what Real Madrid paid for Aurelien Tchouameni (£86m).
Caicedo concern
Caicedo is not the only Premier League midfielder likely to be on the move this summer with Declan Rice also likely to leave West Ham. Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature, but that could change with Manchester City preparing a bid to sign the Hammers captain, as football.london understands.
The Gunners losing out on Rice to Man City could result in them heading back in for Caicedo which would not spell good news for Chelsea as they cannot offer any European football, whereas Arsenal, who bid for the 21-year-old in January, can.
Real Madrid bid
Chelsea appear to have reignited their interest in Aurelien Tchouameni, a year after Real Madrid hijacked a move to sign the midfielder. The 23-year-old faces a somewhat uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu following the arrival of Jude Bellingham, who became the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Blues have already tabled an opening bid of €60million (£51.4m) for the France international this summer, but it was swiftly turned down. The report states that Chelsea are now considering whether or not to raise their offer to €80m (£68.5m), which could tempt Real Madrid. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the Blues want both Tchouameni and Caicedo or just one…
Swap deal
With a move for Caicedo potentially costing a hefty fee for Chelsea, the idea of swap deals with Brighton continues to be touted. According to Fabrizio Romano, striker Armando Broja won’t be included in any deal after reports linked the Cobham academy graduate with a move to the Seagulls.
A report from the Guardian does claim that Conor Gallagher could be included in any deal though, while the future of Levi Colwill is also in discussion.
Secret bid
According to The Athletic, Chelsea submitted a £60million offer to the Seagulls just two weeks ago, coming as something of a ‘secret’ bid after radio silence on it. While this offer appears to have been rejected, it suggests that perhaps the move is further along than once thought.
Arsenal pull-out
Arsenal have backed out of attempting to sign Caicedo this summer, leaving Chelsea in pole position to sign the Brighton star. The Gunners had a first bid for fellow midfield target Declan Rice turned down and have made him their priority instead.
According to The Times, Arsenal have withdrawn themselves from the race to sign Caicedo but instead Manchester United have taken their place.
Arteta plan
As per The Evening Standard, it is Caicedo’s versatility that makes him such an attractive prospect. Arteta is said to believe that the young midfielder can play as both a no.6, as well as further forward in the free-roaming no.8 role and he even operated as a right-back during the latter part of the 2022/23 campaign.
But signing both Caicedo and primary midfield target Rice could cost the north Londoners close to £200 million, something that would likely require significant sales considering Arteta is also looking to strengthen his backline this summer.
Brighton fear
Caicedo’s Brighton team-mate Pervis Estupinan has admitted he is worried his fellow Ecuador international will leave the Seagulls this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked, with the two London sides appearing most likely to sign Caicedo.
It is possible that Caicedo remains at Brighton, but his club and national team-mate Estupinan has hinted that occurring is unlikely. As quoted by ESPN, he said: “I think that having a player of Moi’s category, many teams would like him.
“We all fear that he will leave us . As I have always talked to him, if he stays I will be very happy to play next to him, to continue enjoying his football.”
Mega money demand
As per the Telegraph, Brighton are demanding ‘significantly more’ than £70million if they are to part ways with Caicedo this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all said to be interested in in the versatile midfielder, with Liverpool also potentially joining the race to sign him depending on their financial situation.
De Zerbi stance
Roberto De Zerbi has offered a fresh stance on Caicedo’s future. When asked if the Ecuadorian was going to leave Brighton, the Italian replied: “I didn’t say it like this. I said it could be a possibility to lose some big players like Caicedo, Mac Allister and Mitoma.
“We are Brighton and I know the policy of our club, my club. We have to be ready to bring other good players with the right characteristic, the right condition of our club.”
Following the Seagulls’ 3-0 win against Arsenal, De Zerbi said: “For sure we will lose some players [this summer], maybe [Moises] Caicedo and [Alexis] Mac Allister. We have to be ready to bring in more good players and for the others; [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Pervis] Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us.”
Caicedo contract
In a shock turn of events, Caicedo committed his long-term future to Brighton in February. A statement from Brighton read: “Moises Caicedo has committed his long-term future to the Albion by agreeing a new contract that runs until 2027, with a club option for an extra year.”
