Erik ten Hag appears ready to step on a few toes this summer as Chelsea and Arsenal hope to bolster their midfield options. The two London clubs have been heavily linked with moves for Declan Rice, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo for a while now, but it's not the West Ham star they should be worried about.
According to the Telegraph, Manchester United have placed the £114million-rated Brighton duo on their shortlist of players considered as potential signings. The report states that Ten Hag will target a central midfielder, along with a striker, in the summer having been left little choice but to use Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role following Casemiro's accumulation of various suspensions.
Caicedo looked close to leaving the Amex Stadium in January after he issued a shocking statement on social media, pleading for a move. The Gunners had submitted two bids for the 21-year-old but both were rejected, football.london understands.
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Despite Caicedo's best efforts, the Seagulls stood strong and blocked Arsenal's advances. It was said that Chelsea were also eyeing a move for the midfielder in the event that they were unable to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
But, the Blues proved successful in their mission to sign the Argentina international and speculation of a move to Stamford Bridge has since fizzled out. Last month, Caicedo signed a new long-term contract with Brighton which keeps him at the club until 2027 – while this is a blow, it simply retains his market value.
With regard to Mac Allister, football.london understands the midfielder is a serious option for the Blues. In an interview with ESPN Argentina last month, the Brighton midfielder's father admitted that contact has been made with various clubs over a move in the summer.
However, Carlos Mac Allister insisted that any decision will not be swayed by financial rewards but rather the 'best project'. As quoted by 90min, he said: "Clubs are starting to call us for Alexis but there are no concrete talks now.
"We'll decide together with Brighton, they deserve respect. We will pick the best project, based on the coach too — it’s not about money."
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