The Moises Caicedo situation sent many into something of a spiral as it became apparent that the club aren’t pursuing the Ecuadorian as strongly as they did in January. The winter window saw multiple bids rejected but so far in the summer window, the club have not moved on the player.
Arsenal do retain an interest in Caicedo, football.london understands and it has not been withdrawn as some reports have suggested. However, they are currently pressing ahead with their chase of Declan Rice and have also made an offer to Ilkay Gundogan, who is available on a free transfer but they face competition from Manchester City, Barcelona and Saudi Arabian sides.
Chelsea are the side clearly ahead in any discussion regarding Caicedo. Suggestions are that a bid of £60 million has been submitted and subsequently rejected, rather unsurprisingly considering this was £10m less than the Gunners' January offer and the midfielder has since signed a new deal.
Although Arsenal remain focused on their priority of Rice, there is perhaps validity to theories of what could be described as a ‘reverse Mykhailo Mudryk’ move from the Gunners this summer. To understand, a quick recap of the painful winter saga will shed some light.
After several bids, growing in value up to as much as £55m rejected, the Gunners looked close to sealing a deal close to £80m for the Ukrainian international before Chelsea came in and hijacked the deal. Privy to the knowledge of Arsenal’s negotiations with Shakhtar, the Blues made a more attractive and slightly larger overall offer at the ~€100m (~£88m) mark that the club had always wanted.
Arsenal pulled out of discussions with the West London side’s offer of more than Mikel Arteta and Edu were willing to match. The roles could now reverse just six months later.
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Chelsea are in continuing negotiations with Brighton over a deal for Caicedo with some reports claiming a deal close to £80m could be reached whilst The Athletic say the Seagulls want at least £100m for the 21-year-old. Should the Blues agree to a lower figure for Caicedo and within the realms the Gunners would be willing to pay, their interest could indeed again firm up to match Chelsea’s agreement.
It then would come down to the player’s decision where he goes, with football.london's understanding that Caicedo has the desire to play in the Champions League. This could give Arsenal the edge although wages would also need to be agreed.
Flipping the script would certainly be a playful idea and just theory right now, but Arsenal’s lingering interest certainly leaves the door open for interpretation and perhaps it is this opportunity they’re waiting for. Time will tell.
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