Premier League leaders Arsenal are reportedly ‘contemplating’ making a transfer to signal Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, regardless of curiosity from Chelsea.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted on Wednesday that he’s involved by his midfield depth with Mohamed Elneny anticipated to be out injured for some time.
Arteta hinted {that a} new midfielder might be bought earlier than the winter switch window closes subsequent Tuesday.
“If there’s anything obtainable that may make us higher we’ll take a look at it,” the Spanish supervisor advised reporters.
“Nicely, we’d like some extra cowl in midfield ideally if we will however clearly, on this market, it’s very difficult to do this.”
Arsenal have been linked with Juventus and United States midfielder Weston McKennie, with Leeds United additionally attempting to signal the 24-year-old.
Nevertheless, they’re now ramping up their curiosity in Brighton’s Caicedo, in accordance with The Telegraph.
Chelsea are additionally concerned about signing Caicedo, which doesn’t bode effectively for Arsenal after what occurred with a sure Ukrainian winger…
Graham Potter’s aspect have had a £55million bid rejected by Brighton for the Ecuadorian midfielder.
Albion are reportedly holding out for no less than £75m and are notably reluctant to promote one in all their greatest gamers mid-season.
In Wednesday’s Soccer Switch Gossip, it was stated that Brighton worth Caicedo as excessive as £100m.
Chelsea are stated to be the present frontrunners to signal the 21-year-old, who might be the proper N’Golo Kante substitute.
Caicedo’s relationship with Potter – who left Brighton for the Blues earlier this season – may play an enormous half in his determination if it got here right down to a selection between the 2 London golf equipment.
Having stated that, Arsenal are flying this season and are the present favourites to win the Premier League, whereas Chelsea sit mid-table, so the Ecuador worldwide would possibly want a transfer to the Emirates given their present success.
The report states that Arteta needs to signal a brand new midfielder earlier than the tip of the month with Elneny’s damage nonetheless being assessed.
Caicedo would clearly be very costly signing, however Arsenal ought to have the funds to make it occur after making a big-money bid to signal Mykhaylo Mudryk earlier this month.
Arsenal’s midfield three may be very a lot set in stone with Thomas Partey working as a No. 6 with Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard both aspect of him.
Caicedo can be an outstanding addition however recreation time won’t be assured, until Partey – who has been damage inclined all through his whole Gunners profession – picks up a contemporary damage.
You want depth to compete in all competitions, and the report provides that Arsenal’s curiosity in Declan Rice is not going to be impacted by the potential signing of Caicedo.
Partey’s absences over time have vastly impacted Arsenal, with the drop-off in high quality in defensive midfield an enormous fear, however the signing of Caicedo will surely make the Ghanaian much less of a miss if he’s injured.
With Elneny out, Albert Sambi Lokonga may need a giant half to play within the second half of the season.
Lokonga has struggled to adapt to life within the Premier League after a terrific spell with Anderlecht.
In keeping with the Each day Mail, Arteta has refused a mortgage supply from Monaco for the 23-year-old.
In the meantime, Cedric Soares is reportedly near becoming a member of London rivals Fulham on mortgage till the tip of the season.
This implies Arteta can also be eager to signal a right-back earlier than Tuesday’s switch deadline. The Gunners have been strongly linked with Actual Valladolid teenager Ivan Fresneda.
READ MORE: 4 Arsenal gamers in want of an improve (as a result of we couldn’t consider 5)
