Arsenal Out of the Race for Moises Caicedo as Chelsea Move Closer to Signing Ecuadorian Star
Arsenal have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Moises Caicedo, with the Ecuadorian star now set to join Chelsea. The Gunners had agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old Brighton midfielder but have now shifted their focus to signing Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
Bayern Munich and Manchester United were also linked to Caicedo, but the Ecuador international is intent on joining Chelsea. Brighton are thought to be asking for at least £100m for the midfielder, with ‘final negotiations’ underway after Caicedo decided on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal’s Interest in Caicedo
Arsenal had seen two bids rejected in the January transfer window for Caicedo, with the Gunners ending their interest in the midfielder as they now look to bring in Havertz. The German has told Arsenal he is ready to join them this summer and agreeing personal terms with the Chelsea forward is not expected to be a problem.
Chelsea are demanding £70m for the former Bayer Leverkusen star, a price Arsenal are not willing to pay. Reports have suggested the Gunners would be willing to go as high as £60m including add-ons. Chelsea did business with Arsenal as recently as the January transfer window when Jorginho completed his move across the capital in a £12m deal.
Arsenal’s Immediate Transfer Priority
Arsenal’s immediate transfer priority is agreeing a deal to bring top target Declan Rice to the Emirates amid reports that Manchester City have entered the race for him. The Gunners are also looking to strengthen their defence and have been linked with a move for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
Conclusion
It looks like Arsenal have missed out on Moises Caicedo, with the Ecuadorian star set to join Chelsea. The Gunners had agreed personal terms with Caicedo but have now shifted their focus to signing Chelsea forward Kai Havertz. Arsenal’s immediate transfer priority is now agreeing a deal to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates, with Manchester City also interested in the West Ham midfielder.