Arsenal are running out of time to complete a January transfer for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo before next week's deadline.
The north Londoners currently find themselves top of the Premier League, five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have played an extra match in the league this term than their title rivals. With his side hoping to end their 19-year wait for a league title, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had made it no secret of his desire to bring in reinforcements this month, already signing Belgian attacker Leandro Trossard and Polish defender Kajub Kiwior.
Arteta has also admitted that he is keen to bolster options in midfield and this could have been exacerbated by first-choice holding midfielder Thomas Partey suffering a rib injury during Friday night's 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. One name that has been mentioned as a potential option is the aforementioned Caicedo, who was the subject of a £60 million bid from Arsenal on Friday morning, football.london understands.
READ MORE: Moises Caicedo to Arsenal transfer blow, Thomas Partey injury latest and Ivan Fresneda chances
However, Brighton swiftly rejected this offer, making it clear that they will not sell the Ecuadorian international halfway through the season. Caicedo then took to social media to voice his desire to leave the Amex Stadium, urging the Seagulls to accept an offer as he looks for a fresh challenge less than two years after joining from Independiente del Valle for a fee thought to be in the region of £2 million.
It is currently unclear whether or not Arsenal will lodge a second bid for the 21-year-old, who could cost up to £90 million, according to The Independent. If Gunners technical director Edu is able to prise manage to prise Caicedo away from Roberto De Zerbi's side this month, the player won't be able to wear the number 25 shirt at the Emirates Stadium - which is currently donned by Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny.
So, football.london took a look at the other shirt numbers available to Caicedo in case a transfer can be agreed upon.
Potential Arsenal shirt numbers available to Caicedo: 2, 13, 20*, 22*, 26*, 28, 29.
*20 - Nuno Tavares is on loan at Marseille
*22 - Pablo Mari is on loan at Monza
*26 - Folarin Balogun is on loan at Reims
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