Brighton star Moises Caicedo has made his feelings on Arsenal perfectly clear despite failing to push through a transfer to the Emirates Stadium in January. The Gunners had two bids rejected for the Ecuadorian midfielder by Roberto De Zerbi's side with Caicedo signing a new long-term contract just weeks after the transfer window closed.
After failing to agree a fee for the 20-year-old talent, Arsenal turned their attention to securing a deal to sign Jorginho from Chelsea. The Italian midfielder has been a brilliant addition to the squad and added quality in depth in a key position for Mikel Arteta heading into the title run-in.
football.london understands the Gunners have made signing Declan Rice from West Ham a priority this summer over reigniting their interest in Caicedo. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal do attempt to go back in for the Brighton midfielder after he signed a new deal to stay with the Seagulls until 2027 - raising his market value even further.
READ MORE: Declan Rice sends clear Mikel Arteta message to end any Arsenal summer transfer doubts
However, Caicedo has now revealed that he still wants Arteta's side to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season and opened up on his failed effort to move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this season. Speaking to the Telegraph, Caicedo said: “I was really close to going.
"I suffered a lot. I’m sure I'm going to have many more opportunities. That’s why I continue to do things well. [But] it was tough.
"At the beginning when I didn’t end up going, lots of people would make fun of me on Instagram. People treated me badly.
"I didn’t check my social media because it would hurt me to see things. I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them. I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”
It could have been a difficult return to Brighton after his attempts to force through a move to Arsenal, but Caicedo was welcomed back into training with open arms by De Zerbi and his team-mates. “When I came back, they welcomed me once again," he added.
"That was lovely for me because it was like being at home again. They all supported me. So, I resumed training, full of hunger to be back in the side and help them. This team opened their door to me and offered me a new contract, so I signed it.
"He [De Zerbi] approached me, we spoke and he told me to be calm. That it wouldn’t be the last club that would come in for me.
“I’d have more opportunities and he told me to keep on doing what I was doing and that I'll see in the future I wouldn't be sorry about staying."
When asked if he wants to see Arsenal win the title despite not being able to be a part of the potential success, Caicedo confirmed: “Of course! I hope so but let's see.”
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