Arsenal still plotting swoop for €80m star they 'agreed terms with'

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 27 Apr 2023 20:56 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal ‘agreed terms with’ Moises Caicedo in January, amid a failed move for the Brighton midfielder, it has emerged.

The Gunners were keen to bring the Ecuador international, 21, to the Emirates Stadium during the last transfer window, making an offer of £70m (just under €80m), but Brighton held firm and kept hold of one of their star men.

Chelsea were also linked with a move for Caicedo – who eventually signed a new four-year contract at Brighton in March.

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However, Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal remain keen in Caicedo – who has enjoyed a standout season for Brighton, featuring in 29 of the Seagulls 30 Premier League games and helping them push for an historic European qualification under Roberto De Zerbi.

Romano was discussing the Gunners’ pursuit of Caicedo on the House of Champions podcast. He said:

“Arsenal made a bid of £70m in January that was rejected. They really wanted the player and they agreed terms with the player, but [the transfer] didn’t happen. Let’s see if Arsenal will return with an official bid [this summer], but the interest is still there.”

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Becoming one of Brighton's main men

Caicedo joined Brighton from Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle back in February 2021 but was loaned out to Belgian side Beerschot that summer.

However, due to a midfield injury crisis, Brighton recalled Caicedo midway through the 2021/22 campaign, handing him his Premier League debut in a 2-1 win at Arsenal – where he set up Enock Mwepu’s goal.

Caicedo has gone on to feature 45 times for the Seagulls in all competitions, firmly establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.