Arsenal and Chelsea are desperately after central midfielders despite both clubs acquiring one on deadline day of the January transfer window. Jorginho left Chelsea to sign for Arsenal before the Blues then agreed a deal with Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez for a British record transfer fee.
In the three games Chelsea and Arsenal have each played since their eleventh hour arrivals joined both clubs have endured a very similar record. Neither team has won a game in February but Fernandez and Jorginho have shown promise.
The January window could have ended slightly different for both clubs had Moises Caicedo been allowed to leave Brighton. Arsenal and Chelsea each sent bids to the Seagulls but they stood firm on their stance of not sanctioning a mid-season departure even when Caicedo released a public statement hinting he wanted to leave.
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Both London clubs were able to strengthen their midfield departments in the end and now attention swiftly turns to who they will be targeting in the summer. Declan Rice remains the priority for the Gunners and while Chelsea do hold an interest in the West Ham star, Jude Bellingham has captured the interest of Todd Boehly.
While their main transfer targets for the end of the season are away from Brighton, a fresh claim has been made regarding the future of Caicedo's team-mate which could set up the perfect summer for each club.
According to Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul, Alexis Mac Allister's father has travelled to England to discuss his son's future which could be "out of Brighton". A number of Premier League clubs showed interest in Mac Allister following his spectacular World Cup displays and his availability presents an opportunity to Chelsea they may not be able to turn down.
Having signed Fernandez, who won the World Cup alongside Mac Allister, the Blues could reunite the partnership at a domestic level which dominated on the world stage. Chelsea signing Mac Allister would likely spell the end of any interest in Caicedo which could subsequently open the door for Arsenal.
Sending two bids for Caicedo despite knowing Brighton wouldn't sell is said to have damaged Arsenal's relationship with Brighton. However, Edu could certainly negotiate a fair price with Brighton, who would have ample time to find a replacement, that they may have already acquired, in the summer.
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