Evan Ferguson wanted by Man United and Chelsea Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are moving closer to signing Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Gunners have tried to sign the defensive midfielder in January but despite several attempts, they had failed to sign him because the Seagulls were reluctant to let him leave during the middle of the season.

Arsenal believe Brighton will soften their tone in the summer which is why they have started to hold talks with the player’s representatives.

Brighton will want a fee of around £75 million for Moises Caicedo and if the Gunners can pay this amount then Mikel Arteta shouldn’t have a problem landing the 21-year-old.

Do Arsenal really need a player like Moises Caicedo?

Granit Xhaka is going to leave very soon and even Thomas Partey could be sold which is why the Gunners are targeting not one but two defensive midfielders.

Declan Rice is obviously their number one focus but Moises Caicedo will be an easier target which is why Arsenal are working on that move at the moment.

Caicedo’s current contract expires in 2027 so a fee of around £75 million is very logical and in that price bracket, the midfielder will be a great signing.

He’s been a regular starter at the club since January 2022 and during this time, he’s established himself as one of the top young midfielders in England.

On his own, he might not be able to shoulder all the responsibilities but alongside someone like Declan Rice, Caicedo can surely work wonders.

Arsenal are back in the Champions League which means Mikel Arteta will have a sizeable transfer budget. Midfielders and a centre-forward is the manager’s priority this summer and if he can get Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo at a combined budget of around £150 million then it will be a great bit of business.

Xhaka will fetch around £13 million from his move to Leverkusen and Thomas Partey can be sold for around £25 million which means Arteta has the possibility of replacing both of his defensive midfielders at a net transaction value of about £100-110 million.