Why Arsenal should sign Caicedo over Rice

Jacque Talbot

• 25 Apr 2023 09:08 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal must make an attempt to sign Moises Caicedo over Declan Rice over the summer transfer window - and here’s why.

The Gunners will look to replace or upgrade on Granit Xhaka for the LCM role ahead of next term. They would also need to be a good cover for Thomas Partey, relatively injury-prone, as Arsenal struggle without him.

If you look at what Xhaka does at Arsenal, he often occupies not just the central areas but is also busy in the left half space and even occupies the left wing at times.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal chase Wolves winger Neto to offer Saka support

However, Rice receives the ball in the final third or in the half-space less than Caicedo. According to SciSports data, both are well matched in their passing, but Caicedo creates more chance creation passes per-90 minutes.

The Brighton midfielder is cleaner is possession but Rice is more of a ball carrier and can also progress the ball more with his passing.

Caicedo is much better at his defensive positioning, while West Ham’s captain is slightly better at recovering the ball.

Both players are of equal quality but in terms of suiting Arsenal’s style, it is the Ecuadorian star who edges it.

What does their futures hold?

The pair will have their pick of the bunch should they choose to leave their respective sides this summer window.

The Guardian had reported that Rice is leaning towards joining Arsenal this summer because of the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta, while the Gunners had made the playmaker their top target.

Arsenal are increasingly confident of beating Chelsea to his signature, and the England international is almost certain to leave West Ham.

Caicedo signed fresh terms with Brighton but it is thought that he is likely to leave his club as well - though the possible exit of Alexis Mac Allister may come as a bit of a sticking point.