Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Mikel Arteta obsession with in-demand Prem ace set to continue with summer bid to dwarf Arsenal transfer record

Moises Caicedo Michael Olise Brighton Crystal Palace 2023 TEAMtalk1

A report claims Arsenal have not given up hope of signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and will return with a fresh offer in the summer.

The 21-year-old joined the Seagulls from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in February 2021. However, he failed to make an appearance during the second half of 2020-2021. The Ecuador international made his first-team debut in August 2021 but was then sent to Belgian club Beerschot on a season-long loan.

The talented youngster enjoyed 14 outings in all competitions, scoring two goals. However, he was recalled to the Amex Stadium in January 2022 as the south-coast outfit were struggling for midfield numbers.

And the South American was handed an opportunity, starting eight top-flight games and notching one goal.

He has now become a permanent fixture in the Brighton midfield, starting 23 of 24 Premier League matches this term.

His displays for the Europe-chasing outfit caught the eye of a number of clubs, with the Gunners particularly interested.

And the north Londoners launched a bid to sign him in the January transfer window. That offer is said to have been in region of £70.

However, under contract until 2025 at the time, Albion refused to sell despite the player making it clear he wanted to leave.

READ MORE: Liverpool jump Man Utd and Arsenal in race to sign LaLiga phenom who’s already hinted which club he’ll join

Having been granted a few weeks rest to come to terms with the decision, Caicedo then inked a new contract with his present employers.

And he is now signed up with Brighton until the summer of 2027. That is likely to have pushed his price tag even higher but the league leaders are still keen.

Arsenal set for mega bucks Caicedo bid

Arsenal’s title challenge has not faltered as many thought it would and they sit five points clear of Manchester City.

The champions still have time to bridge that gap but Mikel Arteta’s men have responded well.

They hit a tricky patch in February, taking just one point from three games. But five straight league wins sees them with breathing space at the top of the tree.

They are clearly an attractive proposition for any up-and-coming player in Europe. And Arsenal know they much keep adding quality to the ranks to maintain the success.

And Football Insider are reporting that they will test the water with another bid in the off-season.

Brighton signed Caicedo for just £4.5million but reports suggest they will ask for a fee in the region of £90m. Extending his deal means they hold all the aces in contract negotiations.

Caicedo with plenty of suitors

Arsenal’s interest has been well documented but other Premier League clubs have also been linked. Liverpool have been mentioned in connection with the talented schemer.

And Chelsea’s name has been added to the list of clubs that might look to prise him away from the Amex in a few months time.

Blues chief Graham Potter knows all about his class, having worked with him when in charge of the Seagulls.

Roberto De Zerbi will not want to such an influential player to leave.

But with Caicedo clearly ambitious and the club set for a huge profit, the manager may lose his star man during the next transfer window.

READ MORE: Newcastle plot explosive double deal for £60m Arsenal target and ex-PSG star amid Howe instruction