Arsenal ramped up their interest in signing a midfielder on Friday as a £60million bid for Moises Caicedo was rejected, football.london understands. The Gunners submitted a proposal for the Ecuadorian international to Brighton, but it is thought that the Seagulls rejected the approach promptly. That follows a £55million bid from Chelsea which was rejected earlier this week.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a midfielder before the transfer window closes. With less than 15 hours remaining, it is key that Edu strengthens the middle of the park to further bolster Mikel Arteta's options.
The Brazilian has potentially sent a hint that Arsenal are set for an incoming before the 11pm deadline. This comes after the surprise reported potential sale of Albert Sambi Lokonga.
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According to journalist Alan Nixon, Crystal Palace are making a loan bid for Lokonga. The Eagles were said to be interested in the midfielder before he made the move to Arsenal in 2021.
If Edu accepts a deal, it could be the biggest suggestion that the Gunners will sign a midfielder before the window slams shut. Arsenal are extremely short in the middle of the park, which has only been made worse by Mohammed Elneny's injury.
Selling Sambi Lokonga means that Thomas Partey will be the Gunners' only holding midfielder who is available, which makes it unlikely for Arsenal to sanction a sale for the Belgian unless a replacement is signed.
Alongside links to Caicedo, Arsenal are also considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, football.london understands. The Italian player has been linked to the Gunners in previous seasons, but Sambi Lokonga's potential exit could be a hint that a move is finally on the cards especially as the north London side have had multiple bids rejected for Caicedo.
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