Moises Caicedo became a target for Arsenal midway through the January transfer window. Yet, it emerged very quickly that any deal for the Ecuador international was not going to happen. However, this did not deter Arsenal from making another bid after their first was dismissed instantly.
There had been hope that perhaps the strong relationship built between Arsenal and Brighton through the negotiations for both Ben White and Leandro Trossard would aid in the pursuit of Caicedo. However, the stance of the Seagulls was clear from the first contact - he was not for sale.
Arsenal did not heed this warning and not only came back with mere days of the window left to go but wasted time that could have been spent looking at and potentially doing business for an alternative. Of course, Arsenal ended up landing a strong midfield player in Jorginho, but one that broke the nature of the club’s recent recruitment strategy but also for a far more sensible deal than similar profiles of the past.
READ MORE: Jorginho to Arsenal transfer justified amid Thomas Partey and Moises Caicedo comparison
This was not the first player that Arsenal missed out on during the window and having seen Chelsea snap up Mykhailo Mudryk despite coming very close to signing the Ukrainian it raised red flags early on. These were somewhat quelled with the swift acquisition of both Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.
However, when the second Caicedo bid of £70million went in, having already seen nearly £50million spent on the duo above, it became obvious that Arsenal had funds available to secure their primary wide target of the window. Suggestions that they were unwilling to meet their valuation are somewhat faulted by a considerable commitment to pay above what Caicedo was worth.
Not to mention the final Mudryk bid was similar in size to Chelsea, just structured less favourably. Edu has done some good things in this window, and they could directly impact the club’s hope of winning their first Premier League title in 19 years.
The Athletic reports that Arsenal have 'dropped down the pecking order' regarding clubs Brighton plan on having regular engagement with. Adding that the Seagulls' respect for the north London side has 'soured'.
That said, not only has a relationship with a club both developing and identifying top talent been affected but once again key targets the club wanted were not acquired and the table-topping Arsenal were forced to look elsewhere. The summer will be Edu’s next chance to show this can be achieved and with the potential backing of a Premier League title-winning accolade for a further boost.
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