Arsenal told Caicedo's huge new asking price

Suraj Radia

• 8 Mar 2023 11:33 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal are still interested in signing Moises Caicedo this summer despite being told they will need to break their club record to sign the Brighton midfielder.

Caicedo has been a long-term target for the Gunners and they failed with an approach to sign him in January but the 21-year-old has since put pen-to-paper on a new deal with Brighton until 2027.

There is not believed to be a release clause in Caicedo’s new contract, however the extension will not prevent the Ecuadorian from leaving if an offer matches Brighton’s valuation.

THE NEXT ZAHA!: Why Caicedo may have signed himself out of a big move this summer

Brighton had slapped a price tag of £90 million on Caicedo in January and their position is now stronger after his new deal, which now sees him earn a reported wage of around £60,000 a week.

Caicedo publicly stated his desire to join a bigger team in January in order to gain a substantial pay rise, having been one of Brighton’s lowest earners since moving to the club from Ecuador for £4.5m in 2021.

Football Insider claims that Caicedo is still keen on moving to a top-tier club in the summer as he wishes to play at the highest-possible level, however any interested team will be quoted a similar fee to what Brighton were demanding in January.

Arsenal face competition for Caicedo

Arsenal are believed to be in the market for two central midfielders this summer and Caicedo is believed to be top of their list, along with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The Gunners have already signed one of Brighton’s star players this year after Leandro Trossard completed a £27m move to the Emirates in January.

ALTERNATIVE: Gunners eye Juventus midfielder in swap deal

While Arsenal will look to negotiate a cheaper deal for Caicedo, his asking price could see Mikel Arteta’s side priced out of a move, with Chelsea and Liverpool also interested.

Caicedo has been an integral part of Brighton’s team this season, notching one goal and one assist in 26 games, as well as impressing for Ecuador during the 2022 World Cup.