Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Newcastle tipped for ‘surprise’ move for divisive Arsenal target with falling valuation benefitting pursuit

Moises Caicedo, Brighton, May 2022

Journalist Ben Jacobs has tipped Newcastle United to be a surprise candidate to take Moises Caicedo on board, as he feels his value will drop following Arsenal’s pursuit.

Caicedo’s potential exit from Brighton was a big talking point in the January window. One reason for that was the value for a player that had only recently broken into the first team.

Indeed, the midfielder has played just 31 senior games during his time in England.

However, that seems to have been enough for him to be identified as the next big thing. That was reinforced by interest from a number of big sides, and mainly the pursuit of Arsenal.

Indeed, the Gunners reportedly bid for Caicedo twice and were rebuffed both times. The second of those bids was reportedly of £70million, which was rejected as it was below Brighton’s asking price.

The South coast side will have a big decision to make come the summer. Indeed, interest is not likely to stop and could even be ramped up if Caicedo’s good form continues.

Given their valuation was apparently £90million in January, they will have to decide if they really want to hold out for that sum.

Even the £70million Arsenal bid would’ve gone a long way for a club of their size. However, mid-season when there was little time to scout an apt replacement, it makes sense as to why they were asking for so much.

Caicedo value could drop

They might need to entertain offers below their asking price soon, anyway. Indeed, CBS journalist Jacobs believes Brighton will find it hard to get a side to pay even the offer they rejected in January.

“I genuinely believe it’s going to be very difficult for Brighton to get £70million for Moises Caicedo in the summer, I think the valuation could easily drop to more like £60-65million and then you start looking at is there value for Liverpool to enter the race who didn’t really want to go above that number,” he said during a Twitter Space.

Indeed, the longer Caicedo stays at the club running down his contract, the more chance there is of his price tag dropping. On the other hand, if more sides become interested, Brighton could still hold out for a decent sum.

That’s exactly what Jacobs feels could happen, with Newcastle and Liverpool potentially entering the frame.

“Somebody else who could surprise us with Caicedo as well, Newcastle United might be a team looking for a midfielder and Caicedo might come into the fore, especially if you consider Joelinton is playing in a more advanced role, Jonjo Shelvey has left so Newcastle could be quite active in the market for some kind of central or box to box midfielder as well.”

Both sides could pursue Caicedo

There is a possibility that both Newcastle and Liverpool could pursue Caicedo. Questions have been raised over their current midfield options amid their poor run.

While Jude Bellingham is being tipped as the big move in the summer, a full revamp could be on the way. If they were to add the Englishman as well as Caicedo, suddenly the Reds’ midfield would look fresh and ready to challenge again.

With Newcastle currently on the rise, the Ecuador midfielder could also be a good option for them. As Jacobs mentioned, Joelinton has been occupying a more advanced role again of late.

If that is to continue – which is a question in itself after Anthony Gordon was bought – pairing Bruno Guimaraes with a quality option will be key to maintaining their status at the top end of the table.

Caicedo is young, and looks like he could be a quality player for years to come. Indeed, he fits the mould of the type of player the Magpies want to recruit.

And while they’re able to spend huge sums, it’s not something they’ve really done yet. As such, they’d surely be happier with pursuing the midfielder if his price does drop.

READ MORE: Transfer Gossip: Newcastle to use financial power to deliver body blow to Klopp and Liverpool in £125m midfielder chase; Everton ditch move for playmaker