According to reports, Arsenal has made a second offer of £70 million for Moises Caicedo, the midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion. Leandro Trossard, the winger, was acquired by the Gunners from Brighton earlier this month in a deal that could go up to £26 million.
They have also signed defender Jakub Kiwior from Serie A team Spezia, although the Gunners are still looking for a new midfielder with a few days left in the transfer window.
Caicedo is one of the key target for Mikel Arteta’s team, and the Seagulls have already turned down an initial £60 million offer from them. Meanwhile, Caicedo, who is 21-year-old has expressed his desire to join the Premier League leaders on social media.
This is despite the fact that Brighton have indicated that they are not willing to sell their midfielder this month. In reaction, the Seagulls instructed Caicedo to remain at home until after the transfer deadline.
As a result, Caicedo was unable to attend Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup triumph over Liverpool, in which Kaoru Mitoma scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal put a second bid in for £70 million, including add-ons, to test Brighton’s resolve.
Brigton’s response to new bid submitted by Arsenal for Moises Caicedo
Despite increasing the price, the Seagulls rejected the Gunners’ offer right away and haven’t since changed their mind.
Following the victory against Liverpool, in the post-match press conference De Zerbi told reporters:
“It’s already difficult for me to be a coach – to be coach and chairman would be too difficult.”
“Caicedo is a very good guy. I understand it when you are 21 and the chance of a big team in Europe. But I would like him to finish the season with us.”
“(Chairman) Tony Bloom knows very well my opinion. We lost Trossard and if we also lose Caicedo it’s a problem for us if we want to fight for Europe. If we don’t lose Caicedo we are ready to fight.”
Although Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said the team was “ready to move forward” without Caicedo, he added that keeping the midfielder would improve Brighton’s chances of making the European playoffs. Brighton are presently sixth in the Premier League rankings.
He has drawn interest from Arsenal as well as links to Chelsea and Liverpool moves in January.
A player who has started 18 of the team’s 19 Premier League games this year is wanted by Brighton.
In 31 games for the club, including one goal and one assist this season, Caicedo, who joined the Seagulls from Independiente del Valle in 2021, has contributed two goals and three assists.
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