Arsenal and Chelsea transfer news: All the latest speculation surrounding the future of Brighton star Moises Caicedo
Arsenal continue to be linked with a summer transfer for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The player himself then released a statement expressing his desire to leave the club during the winter window but he ultimately failed to push through a move and has since signed a new long-term deal - protecting his market value and making it harder for a club to poach him from De Zerbi's squad. Caicedo has since made his feelings towards Arsenal very clear in a recent interview, with reports linking him with a move to the Emirates Stadium likely to dominate headlines over the summer.
With that being said, football.london has now rounded up all the latest transfer chatter on the 21-year-old's future with De Zerbi's side.
Arteta wants two midfielders
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is set to back Mikel Arteta heavily this summer, freeing up a massive budget that could be more than £200 million, according to The Times.
Gabriel Martinelli apology
Caicedo has voiced his regrets for fouling Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli after his challenge injured the Brazilian international on Sunday afternoon.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “If I could turn back time I wouldn't have made that bad tackle. (Shrug emoji).”
Moises Caicedo makes Arsenal feelings clear after failed transfer
Brighton star Moises Caicedo has made his feelings on Arsenal perfectly clear despite failing to push through a transfer to the Emirates Stadium in January. Caicedo has now revealed that he still wants Arteta's side to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season and opened up on his failed effort to move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this season. Speaking to the Telegraph, Caicedo said: “I was really close to going.
"I suffered a lot. I’m sure I'm going to have many more opportunities. That’s why I continue to do things well. [But] it was tough.
"At the beginning when I didn’t end up going, lots of people would make fun of me on Instagram. People treated me badly.
"I didn’t check my social media because it would hurt me to see things. I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them. I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”
Caicedo signs new Brighton contract
Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in their transfer pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Ecuador international has signed a new long-term contract to stay with the Seagulls until 2027, with a club option for an extra year.
In a shock turn of events, the 21-year-old has now committed his long-term future to Brighton after signing a new contract that will see him stay on the south-coast until 2027, with the Seagulls having the option to extend his deal by a further year. 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.
Summer list
Despite a January transfer failing to materialise, both Chelsea and Arsenal remain keen on Caicedo, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Caicedo will complete the season with Brighton. But the expectation of those close to the club and to the player is at the end, Caicedo, in the summer, will have his top club move.
"This is the feeling. This is the expectation. Caicedo remains on the list of Arsenal, but also Chelsea and Liverpool. Caicedo will probably get his top club move in the summer. This is the expectation of those around the player.”
Arsenal deal not happening
The 31-year-old makes the switch across from west London on an 18 month contract that includes the option for a further 12 month extension.
Fresh bid made
Arsenal have submitted a new bid for Caicedo worth £70million, according to reports.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted on Twitter: "EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal submitted new bid for Moises Caicedo. Understand it's worth £70 package add-ons included."
However, as per The Athletic, this offer was swiftly rejected by Brighton, who are adamant that the player is going nowhere.
Chelsea twist
Chelsea were unable to meet Benfica's demands earlier in the window for Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who has a release clause of £106million. Chatter regarding a move had quietened down in recent weeks but now Portuguese newspaper Record has claimed that Benfica are expecting the Blues to come back with another offer for Fernandez ahead of transfer deadline day on Tuesday.
This surely scuppers their interest in signing Caicedo, leaving Arsenal as the main suitors for the 21-year-old.
Man United claim
Manchester United could add a twist to the tale as it was revealed in 2021 that Caicedo "dreams" of playing for Manchester United. Speaking about the Red Devils with the Athletic, he said: "My dream is to play for Manchester United.
"Antonio Valencia is an example to follow. 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."
Brighton decision
As expected, Brighton dropped Moises Caicedo from their squad to face Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round clash at the AMEX Stadium. Discussing the situation with ITV, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi explained: "Moises is a good guy. We will see tomorrow and the next few days what happens.
"We hope he stays us with us until the end of the season but this is a question for the club and Moises. I think in life you can make mistakes. For everyone there are many solutions and we will see the best solution for the club and for him and for us."
Player's preference revealed
According to journalist Charlie Haffenden, Caicedo was interested in a move to Chelsea but was willing to wait until the end of the current campaign. However, Arsenal's bid has changed the player's stance considering Arteta's side currently find themselves in a title race.
Banished until after transfer window
CBS reporter Ben Jacobs writes: "Moises Caicedo will not return to Brighton until AFTER the transfer window closes. Club stance on a sale remains unchanged. Caicedo will not be part of the FA Cup game with Liverpool. Although suitors (and Caicedo's new agents) haven't given up, Brighton planning to keep hold.
"Brighton remain calm about the situation. Both the #CFC and #AFC bids to date were rejected robustly and without engagement. Caicedo clearly wants a move, and his agents remain active, but Brighton believe time off is the best course of action ahead of the second half of the season.
"The final point is Brighton training doesn't actually start until 11am today. So it appears all parties knew the situation last night or early this morning rather than any surprises.
"There is a belief that Caicedo staying away actually protects him from the noise. Although his absence will naturally fuel further speculation, Brighton view it as a short period for him to reflect and re-focus ahead of the second half of the season."
Confirmed training choice
Romano's report has since been confirmed, with him now tweeting: "Moises Caicedo didn’t turn up for training today — he wants leave immediately. Caicedo could also miss tomorrow’s game. Understand Arsenal are expected to improve their bid, after £60m revealed yesterday.
"Chelsea offered £55m — rejected too."
Set to miss training
Fabrizio Romano reports: "Understand Moises Caicedo could not train with the squad on Saturday after his decision to go public and ask the club to leave.
"Caicedo will decide tomorrow — but he has been clear with Brighton: he wants to get the opportunity. Brighton still want to keep Moises."
Brighton face Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday and his inclusion in that game with give perhaps the clearest hint yet at home things are progressing.
Caicedo statement
Caicedo released a statement on Instagram that read: "I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
"I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador. 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."
Caicedo choice
The Daily Mail report that Caicedo has had his head turned by the interest this window and that he wants to push through a move to either Chelsea or Arsenal in the final week of the January window.
It is written that Caicedo would be prepared to hand in a transfer request in order to force through a deal. Brighton face Liverpool in the FA Cup over the weekend and his involvement will be a clear indicator as to how things are progressing.
Bid rejected
It didn't take long, having made the value of £75million clear this window the Athletic have reported that Brighton swiftly rejected the £60million bid.
David Ornstein wrote: "Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected a bid of £60m fixed from Arsenal for Moises Caicedo. #AFC targeting Ecuador int’l [international] to strengthen midfield + interest remains, despite #BHAFC insisting 21yo [year-old] is not for sale."
New Arsenal bid
Arsenal have made a late swoop to sign Caicedo this month. Arteta's men are after a midfielder following their failure to get one at the end of the summer window.
However, football.london understands that a £60million bid was rejected by Brighton. The Gunners submitted a proposal for the Ecuadorian international to Brighton, but is thought that the Seagulls rejected the approach promptly.
Caicedo admission
In a recent interview, Caicedo himself delivered an update on his future where he insists his current focus is only on Brighton.
Speaking to the Brighton's official club website, he said: "I am here, I’m playing every day. Things from outside don’t trouble me, nor does it take that focus away because I’m focused only on here," he said. "I handle [the speculation] well.
"You hear rumours here and there, but I only try to be focused on the club where I am now, the club which opened the doors for me to be playing every week."
Arsenal hijack
Arsenal are 'ready' to rival Chelsea for Brighton talent Moises Caicedo as both London teams look to sign a new midfielder.
The Blues are thought to still be pursuing a deal for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez, which could allow the Gunners to hijack a move for Caicedo and get revenge after Mykhailo Mudryk moved to Stamford Bridge after being heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
£55m bid rejected
Chelsea have seen two offers upwards of £55million rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls are said to value their star midfielder at a far higher price, demanding a fee closer to £70million, with Brighton keen on not losing him in the middle of the 2022/23 season.