Brighton are preparing to offer a new contract to talented midfielder Moises Caicedo in an attempt to deter interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Gunners, United and Liverpool all looked at the 20-year-old, with new Chelsea boss Graham Potter also a big admirer after working with the Ecuadorian midfielder during his time at the Seagulls. Caicedo has enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, scoring in Brighton's 5-2 win against Leicester last weekend.
Arsenal made it clear they wanted to sign a new central midfielder in the summer transfer window following their pursuit of Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz. Still, technical director Edu was unable to secure a deal for the Brazilian midfielder on Deadline Day. At just 20 years old, Caicedo is considered one of the brightest talents in the Premier League and Brighton are ready to negotiate a bumper new contract with the youngster.
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Potter was asked about reports of a £42million bid being submitted for Caicedo in the summer and whether he was confident he would remain with Brighton beyond the summer window. The former Seagulls manager said: “'In football you never know, but we are quite calm and confident.
“You'd probably get his boots for that from the chairman - maybe! £100m? They can try. It doesn't surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level."
Brighton are now preparing to offer Caicedo a new contract despite the 20-year-old still having three years left on his current deal, as per The Mirror. The Seagulls are known for being shrewd operators in the transfer market and they could look to protect Caicedo's value with a new deal for the Ecuadorian midfielder.
When asked about reports linking him with a move away, the young talent responded: "I’m very happy here at Brighton, I’m not thinking about any other club than Brighton. This is the club where I am now and I will give everything for this club and to keep doing well here."
If Caicedo were to sign a new deal to stay with Brighton, it would surely rule the Gunners out of the running to sign the 20-year-old in the coming seasons. Arsenal may instead look to rekindle their interest in Leicester star Youri Tielemans or Luiz with both players out of contract at their respective clubs next summer.
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