Caicedo set for Arsenal U-turn after admitting 'dream' transfer

Cameron Smith

• 22 Apr 2023 20:55 BST
• 3 min read

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo could be set to reject advances from Arsenal in order to prioritise a "dream" move to Real Madrid.

Caicedo, 21, was heavily linked with a transfer to Arsenal during the January transfer window, and thanked Brighton fans on social media, with most expecting him to leave.

However, the Ecuador international was not granted his wish by Brighton, who decided against selling him to the current Premier League leaders. Mikel Arteta's side instead turned to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

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Caicedo's future is set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2023 summer transfer window, with the youngster expected to be at the heart of Arsenal's business.

He recently added fuel to the fire by admitting the late breakdown of talks in January “hurt” him a great deal. Caicedo told the Telegraph: I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them. I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”

He also admitted that he would like the Gunners to win the Premier League this season. However, the Ecuadorian appears to have had a change of heart regarding a move to the Emirates Stadium.

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In a recent interview with Carrusel Deportivo, Caicedo revealed: "I like Real Madrid. It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid.

"I'm doing things very well now, so why not join Real Madrid one day and win the Champions League. That is my biggest dream."

Could Caicedo join Real Madrid?

Both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are set to extend their contracts at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Carlo Ancelotti already has Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos as options in central midfield.

Furthermore, Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham has been on their radar for a while and Los Blancos are expected to launch a bid for the England international this summer.

As a result, it's perhaps unlikely that Caicedo will join Real Madrid in a few months time, which may encourage Arsenal, who reportedly remain keen on signing him.

However, it appears clear that Caicedo is determined to play for Real Madrid at some point in his career, something that may impact the chances of him joining Arsenal this summer.