Arsenal leave Chelsea stunned after Moises Caicedo transfer demand

Tom Weber

Updated: 16 Apr 2025 16:48 BST
4 min read

Moises Caicedo, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have entered the race for Chelsea target Joel Ordonez, according to a report.

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The Club Brugge defender has established himself as one of Belgian football's biggest prospects in recent seasons. Ordonez is a centre-back by trade, and he is an undisputed starter at just 20 years of age.

Current ETV

Joel Ordóñez

D (C)

Brugge

Joel Ordóñez

D (C)

Brugge

ETV Range

€24.7M - €30.1M

The Ecuador international has attracted big-name attention with his performances this season, and he was linked with a departure from Brugge ahead of the January window.

At the time, Ordonez was being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. The player himself admitted that he is keen on playing in the Premier League, but ultimately no winter move materialised.

In February, reports emerged that international teammate Moises Caicedo had told the Chelsea hierarchy to sign Ordonez, but the Blues won't have a free run at the youngster this summer.

Arsenal enter Ordonez race

According to Just Arsenal, the Gunners have now entered the race to sign Ordonez as they look to add a young defender to their ranks. Despite boasting the Premier League's best backline, Arsenal are looking for reinforcements.

The interest in a defender is also driven by the fact that several of the North London club's players are attracting attention. William Saliba is a known target for Real Madrid, Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to field Saudi interest this summer and Jakub Kiwior is wanted by Crystal Palace.

The report claims that Arsenal are emerging as a 'notable contender' for Ordonez's signature and that the club's recruitment team believes the 20-year-old has the potential to eventually become a key player.

However, it is acknowledged that there is fierce competition from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, both of whom are desperate to add a young defender this summer. Ordonez is viewed as a potentially cheaper alternative to Dean Huijsen, a player all three clubs are also chasing.